Cris Cyborg Not Over on Lost Against Nunes 3.5 Years Ago, Still Wants a Rematch

Cris Cyborg eyes a rematch against Amanda Nunes more than three years after their bout.

Cyborg suffered a first-round knockout defeat to Nunes at UFC 232 in December 2018. The 36-year-old fighter is still not over it and wants her revenge, TMZ Sports reported.

She later admitted that the loss had a bright side since she would not have signed with Bellator if she had defeated Nunes.

According to the current Bellator women's featherweight champion, though years have passed since that shocking defeat, her rivalry with "The Lioness" is still unfinished business.

"Yes, of course. You know in the beginning after the loss I said I wanted a rematch... Maybe in the future." Cyborg said. "We never know in the future, only God knows."

A rematch is unlikely to happen if the two fighters are signed with separate promotions. Cyborg's contract with Bellator may be coming to an end, which might pave the way for a return to the UFC.

Cyborg intended to restart things straight after the fight three years and five months ago, but he couldn't do it.

There were complications in the relationship between Cyborg and the UFC that led to the parting of both camps. But the actual pivotal moment appeared to be the insistence of UFC President Dana White that a rematch with Nunes was not on Cyborg's agenda, despite her claims to the contrary, as per MMA Junkie report.

Cyborg appears hell-bent on recouping that loss, even if it occurs in a different organization. She'll do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means fighting on their own.

"For sure. Maybe in a different organization, we [are] going to make the fight happen. You never know," the veteran MMA fighter said.

Cyborg's Latest Challenge

The Brazilian-American mixed martial artist made her professional debut in May 2005 and will celebrate her 17th anniversary this year. She is aiming to reach her 20th year in the sport before officially retiring, per Bleacher Report.

That gives her more time to make the rematch with Nunes happen.

In the meantime, Cyborg will compete against Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 279 on April 23. She is eager to go for the win, even though she already defeated Blencowe in October 2020.

Both fighters faced off at Bellator 249, with Cyborg successfully defending her title via winning by submission.

Nunes Trying To Get Back on Track

Meanwhile, Nunes is seeking to revitalize her reputation following a submission loss to Julianna Pena at UFC 269, per International Business Times report.

In a major upset, the Brazilian also handed over the UFC women's bantamweight title to "The Venezuelan Vixen."

Nunes' coach, Balbino Junior, said the team is awaiting an official rematch date with Pena.

In an interview on the Trocaço Franca podcast, Balbino suggested a ballpark date, stating it would most likely take place in July or August.

He said that their team is currently in Las Vegas for two more weeks for the shooting of The Ultimate Fighter 30.

"We don't have a date set yet, but Amanda is getting the rhythm and we're doing some training already," Junior said in the podcast episode.

For now, MMA fans have to wait and hope that Cyborg vs. Nunes II to happen sooner or later.

Tags

MMA, Bellator, UFC, Dana White