Germaine de Randamie says she will not face Cris Cyborg
When Germaine de Randamie won the inaugural UFC Women’s Featherweight Title, speculation immediately began for when she would defend it against the clear top contender Cris Cyborg. If she has things her way, it seems that it won’t ever happen. It seems that in the eyes of the champion, Cyborg is a proven cheater and does not deserve a shot at the belt or even a shot to fight in the UFC at all.
This is an interesting statement by de Randamie. Is she scared, or does she genuinely have concern for her own safety beyond what is reasonably expected by a fighter? It’s strange to see a champion openly refuse to fight a challenger, and it puts her and the entire division on a weird place. Will they strip her belt from her? She doesn’t have any clear challengers and has very little drawing power. She is essentially holding a division hostage, so what do we do?
Cyborg was quick to respond, and her response was what you would expect. She questioned De Randamie’s mental toughness, and criticized her championship fight performance, as well as her opponent Holly Holm. She said she doesn’t feel that de Randamie is a true champion, and says that Meghan Anderson is far more popular.
Dana White has said recently that the division will not likely move forward soon, and considering that they have signed no new fighters for the 145 pound women’s division, it seems that it’s safe to say that the future of the division is very much up in the air. In the meantime, it seems possible that Cyborg could be booked for UFC 214, and she will just have to keep moving forward until she is able to get the shot that she deserves.
Henry’s Analysis: These are disappointing statements by Germaine de Randamie. She should defend her belt against Cyborg, who is a very deserving opponent. De Randamie will have a hard time gaining fans and earning respect if this stance doesn’t change. She only got the shot because Cyborg wasn’t available, and she is naïve to think that anybody wants to see her in action against anybody other than Cyborg. With all of that being said, I am not in her position, and I understand that she may have some concerns about Cyborgs steroid use.
Cortney Casey fails drug test
Cortney Casey’s win over Jessica Aguilar will be changed to a no contest after she failed a drug test following their bout at UFC 211.
Roy Nelson signs with Bellator (of course he does)
After an up and down eight year run, it appears we have seen the last of Roy Nelson in the Octagon. It was announced through several sources that Roy Nelson has signed with Bellator, a rumor that was later confirmed by Big Country himself. Nelson leaves the UFC with a 9-10 record, and was just 3-7 in his last 10. He has struggled against top competition in the UFC, but has proven that he can stop anybody with his overhand right. He should give all the heavyweights in Bellator a tough fight.
GSP reveals that eye injury is delaying return
Georges St. Pierre has revealed that an eye injury is the reason for stating that he won’t be ready to fight until at least October. Dana White has said that when GSP does eventually return, he will face the Welterweight Champion instead of Michael Bisping at middleweight. St. Pierre also said that the injury has kept him from sparring, but that he will be back at it by September. With an Interim Middleweight Title fight booked, it seems possible that the UFC will still have a Bisping vs. GSP fight despite White’s claims at GSP at going back down to welterweight. This injury news further muddies the water in what has not been a very clear situation from the start. Hopefully we get some clarity soon, and the Middleweight Division can finally move on.
UFC Fight Night 109 weigh in results
MAIN CARD
Alexander Gustafsson (205) vs. Glover Teixeira (206)
Misha Cirkunov (206) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (206)
Ben Saunders (168) vs. Peter Sobotta (171)
Omari Akhmedov (171) vs. Abdul Razak Alhassan (170)
Oliver Enkamp (170) vs. Nordine Taleb (170)
Jack Hermansson (186) vs. Alex Nicholson (185)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Pedro Munhoz (136) vs. Damian Stasiak (134)
Chris Camozzi (186) vs. Trevor Smith (186)
Reza Madadi (156) vs. Joaquim Silva (156)
Nico Musoke (171) vs. Bojan Velickovic (170)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Jessin Ayari (170) vs. Darren Till (176)*
Damir Hadzovic (156) vs. Marcin Held (156)
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