Cris Cyborg demolished Marloes Coenen for the second time last night to claim the Invicta FC Featherweight title. Meanwhile UFC women’s Bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey has her next fight, a rematch against Miesha Tate, pushed back from New Year’s Weekend to Super Bowl Saturday in February, 201 set for the co-main event at UFC 168.
Jonathan Snowden thinks this is a big waste of time and opportunity:
True greatness in athletics is defined by adversity. So far, Rousey and Cyborg have shown themselves to be fantastic athletes. Skilled warriors. Engaging characters.But neither has shown greatness. Neither has had to reach down deep inside to pull out that little bit extra they know is necessary to beat another woman-one who can and will defeat them if they don’t.
Through no fault of their own, they’ve never had the opportunity. They’ve faced opponents so physically or technically overmatched that the concept of losing never really existed.
Simply put, they need each other. Rousey doesn’t need to fight retreads like Miesha Tate. Cyborg can’t continue to hide in Invicta, a wonderful regional-level promotion, but a regional-level promotion nonetheless. Rousey may not be here long for this sport. Hollywood is already knocking down her door. The time to make this fight is right now.
There may not be another chance.
What do you think? Does the UFC need to book Cyborg vs. Rousey for both fighters to achieve their potential?
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