Report: Cyborg vs. Anderson 'getting close' to being booked for UFC 214
Cris Cyborg may fight a natural featherweight after all.
A women's 145-pound bout between Cyborg and reigning Invicta FC champion Megan Anderson is not quite a done deal, but it's "getting close" to official for July 29 at UFC 214 in Anaheim, Calif., Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting reports.
Anderson was recently booked to defend her title against Helena Kolesnyk at Invicta FC 24 on July 15, although Helwani maintains optimism surrounding what would mark her UFC debut has been "renewed."
Related: Anderson to defend title vs. newcomer Kolesnyk in Invicta FC 24 headliner
The Aussie entered the conversation as Cyborg's potential dance partner when divisional champion Germaine de Randamie took a vow of silence surrounding her immediate plans earlier this year, although her management has since claimed she refuses to square off with the Brazilian.
Related: De Randamie's manager says client will not fight Cyborg
With "The Iron Lady" now rumored to be heading back down to 135 pounds, Cat Zingano unable to make the July date, and UFC president Dana White all but guaranteeing Cyborg a spot on the card, Anderson is once again the leading candidate to share the Octagon with Cyborg in the Golden State. Whether De Randamie vacates the 145-pound title - thereby raising the stakes for Cyborg's targeted meeting with Anderson - remains to be seen.
Cyborg has made short work of Leslie Smith and Lina Lansberg in a pair of UFC showings, both of which were contested at a catchweight of 140 pounds, while Anderson is currently riding a four-fight knockout streak.
UFC 214 is expected to headlined by a rematch between light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and former titleholder Jon Jones.