UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes shocked the world with an electrifying performance on Saturday night at UFC 232 at The Forum, needing just 51 seconds to knock out featherweight champion Cris Cyborg.
With the win, the American Top Team competitor by way of Salvador, Brazil, became the first simultaneous women’s two weight-class champion in UFC history. She also handed Cyborg her first defeat since 2005.
“Yeah for sure, when I sign for this fight I say this what I want, I know I can win,” Nunes said.
Cyborg came out looking to make the bout one of her classic firefights, but Nunes was ready to answer. A right and a left dropped Cyborg to a knee, but she got back up. Another gigantic combo rocked her. Finally, a massive overhand right found a home, setting off an ear-splitting, frenzied reaction from The Forum crowd.
“I am the first female two-champ in the UFC,” Nunes said. “I am the greatest.”
It’s hard to argue against that now that she has a ledger that includes victories over Ronda Rousey, Miesha Tate, two over Valentina Shevchenko, and now Cyborg. Nunes’ eightth straight win lifted her career record to 18-4.
She joins Daniel Cormier and Conor McGregor as the only fighters two hold two weight class titles at the same time, regardless of gender.
Cyborg, who is also a former Strikeforce and Invicta FC champ, is now 20-2 (1 NC).