It will be Power v. Power as Amanda Nunes looks to make history against Cris Cyborg at UFC 232

In what is arguably the biggest fight in women’s MMA history, Cris Cyborg will defend her UFC Featherweight Championship against Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 232. Two top brawlers duking it out on the grandest stage to close the year out is something any fan can get behind.

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In any case, this would be the main event anywhere or even talked about more. Due to the controversy surrounding Jon Jones and moving UFC 232 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, this fight, while hyped up, hasn’t gotten the recognition it truly deserves. It is time to give the women the spotlight, hence this preview of a fight that could be talked about for years.

The Champion

Since joining the UFC in 2016, Cris Cyborg (20-1, 1 NC) has mowed down her competition, winning four of her five fights via knockout. In fact, she has 17 wins via KO, a feat that already cements the Muay Tai fighter as a dangerous Amazonian goddess.

Cyborg’s precise placement has helped her gain an advantage all over the cage, as evidenced by her mauling of former Invicta FC Bantamweight Champion Yana Kunitskaya. When she strikes, you jump back with fear. One of the most intimidating fighters in MMA history, a Cyborg v. Ronda Rousey fight was almost talked about but never came into fruition.

At once in limbo, the UFC’s women’s featherweight division has gained some new life thanks to Cyborg. Still young and in need of some fresh blood, the division may not last long if Cyborg continues to dominate.

The Challenger

“The Lioness” may have something to say about that. Amanda Nunes may be the only equal to Cyborg when it all comes down to it. On a seven-fight win streak, Nunes (16-4) has won three of those fights via KO and two via submission.

Nunes beat Miesha Tate for the Bantamweight Title at UFC 200, but something was missing to get her noticed in the UFC, even with a 13-4 record. Destroying Rousey at UFC 207, Nunes finally gained the recognition as a fighter not to be messed with. After two successful title defenses, Nunes wanted to prove the spotlight should be on her, hence challenging Cyborg.

Like Cyborg, Nunes power is undeniable, winning 11 fights via KO. Boxing will be a key piece in this fight, with many blows that will shock and awe the crowd. The one advantage Nunes may have over Cyborg is her ground game, especially since her work at American Top Team has made her a wrestling machine. Cyborg may have the lifting power but Nunes may have the traits to stop the unstoppable.

Prediction: These are two solid strikers with the ability to surprise at any point. Nunes wanted this fight, and Cyborg desperately needed a challenge. While the fight can go either way, the latter may very well be confident enough to pull away a victory.

Nunes via third-round submission (AND NEW)