Cris Cyborg is ready to return to the fray, and she has her sights set squarely on UFC women’s featherweight champion Germaine de Randamie.
In a video statement posted Friday, Cyborg (17-1, 1 NC) announced that she had officially vacated her Invicta FC featherweight title. She then called out de Randamie for a July 29 meeting in Anaheim, Calif. at UFC 214.
“After her victory, GDR at 145 pounds, the UFC determined that she will be the No. 1 contender for my title belt,” Cyborg said. “I’m healthy now and I’m strong, and I really want to show my fans why I’m still 10 years undefeated at 145 pounds.
“July 29th, the UFC will be in south California, and I would like to fight in my backyard in America in Anaheim, California. So, Germaine,” Cyborg continued while polishing a golden UFC belt, “I hope your hand is healthy enough to accept my challenge.”
Cyborg, 31, has long reigned as the queen of 145 pounds, capturing titles in both Strikeforce and Invicta FC. She is unbeaten dating back to 2005, holding notable victories over Gina Carano, Marloes Coenen (x2), Leslie Smith, and Lina Lansberg — the latter two of which took place at a 140-pound catchweight in the UFC.
Cyborg looked to be in trouble with USADA in December after testing positive for the banned substance diuretic spironolactone, however the Brazilian champion was ultimately granted a retroactive TUE by USADA following a “thorough investigation of the circumstances that preceded her positive test,” per the UFC’s anti-doping partner. The TUE vindicated Cyborg’s name, and now the most feared woman in combat sports is once again looking to continue her reign.
Check out video of Cyborg’s callout below.