Cris Cyborg to Make UFC Debut in May, Opponent Announced

At long last, Cris "Cyborg" Justino is a UFC fighter. According to UFC.com, the former Strikeforce and current Invicta FC featherweight champion will be called up to the main roster for a bout at UFC 198 in her hometown of Curitiba, Brazil.

Her opponent? Invicta FC alum and four-fight UFC veteran Leslie Smith.

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BREAKING: @criscyborg makes her UFC debut at #UFC198 facing @Lesliesmith_GF.
📃 https://t.co/c51CoMNF74 pic.twitter.com/25sR3BJb1F

— UFC (@ufc) March 28, 2016"

Matt Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Cyborg has long been a dream fighter for MMA fans. The greatest power puncher in women's MMA, Justino has been trapped outside the UFC for years due to the promotion's refusal to accommodate a run at 145 pounds, but she has remained in the news cycle due to her yearslong beef with Ronda Rousey. Despite the weight difference, fans have been clamoring to see her step into the Octagon, regardless of the opponent.

Enter Smith. Despite being best known for her ear exploding during her 2014 fight against Jessica Eye (bloody, NSFW content in there), she carved out a niche in Invicta FC as one of the promotion's most exciting performers. She earned Fight of the Night bonuses in four of her six bouts in the promotion and earned a big win in 2013 over current UFC competitor Raquel Pennington. 

It's unknown whether Cyborg will become a permanent member of the UFC, or if this is a one-off fight. It's worth noting the fight is scheduled to take place at 140 pounds, which would suggest the UFC is still reluctant to establish a 145-pound division around her. 

Either way, Smith should be relatively easy pickings for Cyborg. Despite Smith's skills, she is a natural flyweight, whereas Cyborg is a large featherweight. There will be a profound size difference on fight night, and that fits into her blitzing style.

UFC 198 is scheduled for Saturday, May 14.