In a surprising turn of events, Cris Cyborg, the renowned Bellator women’s featherweight champion and one of the greatest women’s fighters in MMA history, is set to embark on a new challenge in the boxing realm. Sources have revealed that her next professional fight will be against Kelsey Wickstrum, an up-and-coming boxer. The highly anticipated event is scheduled to take place on January 19th at the prestigious Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California.
Bellator, however, faces an uncertain future. Showtime, the promotion’s longtime broadcast partner, recently announced its departure from the combat sports business by the end of 2023. As a result, Bellator’s parent company, Viacom, has put the MMA promotion up for sale, with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) emerging as the leading contender for its acquisition. Although the deal has not been finalized, it is expected to conclude in the near future, potentially altering the landscape of Bellator.
Cyborg, at 38 years old, is far from being a one-dimensional fighter. With an impressive record in MMA, she has decided to expand her horizons and venture into the world of boxing. Although she is still expected to compete in both MMA and boxing for the remainder of her illustrious career, her upcoming bout against Wickstrum marks her focus on refining her boxing skills.
Having already tasted victory in the boxing ring, Cyborg currently holds a 1-0 record as a professional boxer, complemented by another triumph in a boxing exhibition in her home country of Brazil. These experiences have undoubtedly fueled her desire to test her mettle against Wickstrum.
Wickstrum, a 36-year-old rising star in the boxing world, presents a formidable challenge for Cyborg. With a flawless professional record of 2-0, including one knockout, the boxer brings a unique set of skills and determination to the ring. The scheduled bout, contracted for 154 pounds over six rounds, promises to be an enthralling clash between two fierce competitors.
Cris Cyborg’s impressive career has etched her name in the annals of MMA history. She currently stands as the only fighter to have captured championships in four major promotions: UFC, Bellator, Strikeforce, and Invicta. Furthermore, Cyborg proudly holds a remarkable total of 12 title defenses across these four reigns, showcasing her dominance and undeniable talent inside the cage.
With her move into the world of boxing, Cyborg seeks to further solidify her standing as one of the most versatile and accomplished fighters in combat sports history. By embracing this new challenge, she not only expands her horizons but also leaves an indelible mark on the future of both MMA and boxing.
In recent days, Chantelle Cameron, who is set to face Katie Taylor next, openly called out Cyborg, expressing her desire to face her in either the PFL or Bellator. Such calls for competition only serve to enhance the excitement surrounding Cyborg’s upcoming boxing showdown with Wickstrum.
As the date draws nearer, fight fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapter unfold in the remarkable career of Cris Cyborg. With her remarkable skills, tenacity, and championship pedigree, she continues to push boundaries and pave the way for future generations of fighters, blazing a trail of excellence in both MMA and boxing.
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