Cris Cyborg Back With a Familiar Name in Team Ahead of Bellator Title Defense in 2020

Cris Cyborg is one of the most revered female fighters in the world and one of the most decorated fighters in history. The Brazilian mixed martial artist has secured titles in the UFC, Bellator, Invicta FC, and Strikeforce. This is an extremely incredible feat that few fighters will ever accomplish. 

Cyborg now aims to defend her Bellator belt for the first time against Arlene Blencowe. ‘Angerfist’ is on a three-fight win streak, which includes stoppage wins over Amanda Bell and Amber Leibrock. Hence, Cyborg has her work cut out as she prepares for her second title defense. To help prepare for her maiden Bellator featherweight title defense, the champion revealed she has reunited with a former coach. 

Cris Cyborg is back with King’s MMA

Cris Cyborg prepared for her last two fights in South Africa. The pandemic has meant that she could not leave the United States. This has meant a reunion with an old but familiar face. In a recent press conference, Cyborg spoke about reuniting with former coach Rafael Cordeiro. She said, “My last two camps I went to South Africa. This time I didn’t have the opportunity to go over there because of COVID. But for me, it had the good side, too.”

Cyborg continued, “I had the opportunity to do the camp with Rafael Cordeiro at Kings MMA, and I was doing camps with him a long time ago. The last time I did camp (with him) was before the Gina Carano fight. He’s my first coach. (He taught me to) throw my first kick, my first punch. It’s really nice to be back with him training. He knows me, and it’s very, very cool” 

It has been 11 years since the last time Cyborg trained with Cordeiro. A lot has changed since then, she has established herself as a true great. However, in Arlene Blencowe, she faces a highly experienced featherweight division fighter. This is not an easy fight by any means, and a traveled champion like Cyborg would know that she always has a huge target on her back. 

Cyborg is on a two-fight win streak following her loss against Amanda Nunes. Her defeat against ‘The Lioness’ is the only one in her 15-year career as a mixed martial artist. The Brazilian fighter will hope to extend her winning streak and defend her belt in yet another promotion. By doing so, she will cement her legacy as one of the best fighters to set foot into the cage.

Read: “I’m Gonna Put Some Fear in Her”- Arlene Blencowe Aims to Dismantle Cris Cyborg at Bellator 249