Coker On Cyborg’s Boxing Plans: ‘We Need To Have Her Fight In MMA’

Initially OK with the idea of Cris Cyborg competing inside a boxing ring, Scott Coker, Bellator’s fearless leader, is looking for her to commit to her MMA contract.

Cyborg (22-2, 1NC) was granted a boxing license in 2017. She made her Bellator debut at Bellator 238, beating Julia Budd for the Bellator Featherweight Championship. The 34-year-old had a desire to box after that bout, and mentioned she was close to facing Cecelia Braekhus. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Coker discussed how the coronavirus pandemic, among other factors, has resulted in a change of direction.

“We were going to try to have her box right now against one of the world champion boxers,” Coker stated. “I talked to (Cyborg’s manager) Audie (Attar) about a week ago and I said, and he agreed, he actually brought it up when we talked about her competing in boxing, I said, ‘With everything that’s going on and this big pause in this combat sports schedule, I’m not sure if we’re going to be able to have her box because we need to have her fight in MMA.’”

Bellator has had to postpone several events due to the coronavirus. Coker previously stated he is interested in putting on fights in the summer if it was safe to do so. He mentioned hosting events at a Paramount or CBS lot while doing soundstage fights. Not having fought since January, Cyborg may be in those fight plans.

As far as who Cyborg could fight within the division, Arlene Blencowe, Sinead Kavanagh and Leah McCourt are all names that come to mind. Budd could also be a possibility when it comes to a rematch. Coker is looking to put together something for Cyborg, but it is unknown who he has in mind.

“If you look at 145-pound weight class, I think there’s two or three girls that would love to fight her,” Coker went on to say. “After the last performance with Budd we got a couple calls. When she fights, that I’m not sure. Depending on who is available we’ll find out who her next opponent we’ll be.”