UFC 240: A closer look at Cyborg vs. Spencer
The waters don’t get much deeper than having to fight Cris Cyborg, who is coming off her first loss in 13-years, in your second UFC fight; but this challenge is set to become a reality for promotion newcomer, Felicia Spencer, as the Octagon anchors in Edmonton on Saturday night.
Spencer, 28, who has only been a professional MMA fighter since 2015, burst onto the UFC scene just two months ago, when she submitted Megan Anderson in the very first round of her debut with an impressive rear naked choke. And considering that Anderson was once dubbed as the woman to take down Cyborg, it comes as no surprise that the Spencer hype train departed the station very soon after that victory.
But to match the former Invicta featherweight champ against a wounded beast that is Cyborg, in just her second UFC appearance seems a little soon, right?
Well not for Spencer, who has not shied away from claiming that she intends to become the face of the division, and that she is ready for a title shot should she get her hand raised on Saturday night.
The only issue with those ambitious goals is that across the cage will be a former undisputed queen of women’s MMA.
Prior to the vicious knockout loss to Amanda Nunes, Cyborg’s last defeat came in her professional debut — in 2005. And after winning world titles in three different organizations, the Brazilian’s world came crashing down at the hands of her compatriot.
In what was most definitely the biggest fight in the history of women’s MMA, “The Lioness” steamrolled through Cyborg on her way to becoming the fourth ever simultaneous two division champion in the UFC.
The manner of the defeat in particular left Cyborg broken and dethroned. And since she hasn’t lost in so long, it is impossible to predict what sort of Cyborg the world is about to witness on Saturday night. What physical and mental shape is the former UFC featherweight champ really in? We are about to find out the answer to that question very soon, but for now — one can only assume that the Brazilian will be back with nothing but vengeance on her mind.
The stakes of this fight are crystal clear: a shot at the featherweight strap.
The featherweight division in the UFC is still very much in the development stages, so much so that there isn’t even an official ranking available for it. So, with things the way they are, nothing else really makes sense other than pairing up the winner of this weekend’s co-main event with arguably the greatest woman to ever pull on the four-ounce gloves.
On a card that on paper looks like a big unknown in terms of entertainment, the main and co-main events are near guarantees to deliver; beginning with a returning, well-rounded star facing off against an up and coming contender trying to make a name for herself. Bring it on.
Tune into the UFC 240 main card watch along at 3am UK time on the MMA Latest YouTube channel and on BT Sport 1 or 10PM/7PM ET/PT on ESPN PPV
Sports journalist based in CA, USA.
Twitter: @ArionArmeniakos
