by King Hazard
UFC President Dana White is finally open to building a women’s featherweight division in the not too distant future. Following an interview with FOX Sports Australia, White confirmed the UFC is ready to create a women’s 145-pound division in 2017.
It’s a division Cris Cyborg has been protesting to fight in since talks about a potential Ronda Rousey fight came into play a few years ago, but never came to fruition at 135-pound due to her notorious weight cut issues. According to White, two UFC featherweight title fights have already been offered to Cyborg, however, she turned them down for health concerns.
The UFC plans on moving forward with the 145-pound division in 2017, even without Cyborg’s name attached to it. White said,
She was offered two fights at 145 pounds, she turned them both down. The first fight, she said she only had eight weeks and that wasn’t enough time to make 145 pounds. And then she gave no reason for the second time. But the answer is yes. The answer is yes, we’re going to make a 145-pound division, whether it’s with Cyborg or not.
A few days ago, Cyborg released an official statement on why she declined the title bouts, but still expressed interest to fight in March when she is healthy.
I told [the UFC] I can fight anyone in March, but I need to take care of my body, and no mention of the fact that I’m dealing with severe depression and can’t have another brutal weight cut like before. This decision is more important than the belt or the division, I’m thinking about my health.
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