Cris Cyborg will hopefully defend her featherweight title before the end of 2020.
At Bellator 238, Cyborg made a strong impression in her Bellator MMA debut as the 35-year-old beat Julia Budd to win the featherweight championship. This marked the fourth championship that Cyborg has won in a different promotion, which includes the UFC Featherweight Championship, Strikeforce Women's Featherweight World Championship, and Invicta FC Featherweight World Championship.
According Amy Kaplan of FanSided, Cyborg is expected to defend the belt against Arlene Blencowe, though an official date has yet to be set.
Cyborg has only lost one fight in the last ten years, which was to Amanda Nunes at UFC 232. Still, the featherweight has beaten top names such as Holly Holm, Gina Carano, and most recently, Julia Budd. Cyborg will enter the contest on a two-fight winning streak, with her second victory being over Felicia Spencer in her final UFC fight. Cyborg’s professional record currently stands at 22 wins and 2 losses.
Blencowe comes into the bout in the midst of a three-fight winning streak, beating Amber Leibrock (via TKO at Bellator 206), Amanda Bell (via KO at Bellator 224), and Leslie Smith (via unanimous decision at Bellator 233). The featherweight’s only blemish in her Bellator MMA record comes from a loss to Julia Budd at Bellator 189. Blencowe’s professional record stands at 13 wins and 7 losses.
As previously stated, the featherweight bout has yet to be made official, but talks are currently strong for the potential bout.