Cyborg (left) and Smith (right) faced each other at UFC 198, in Curitiba. Photo: Reproduction / UFC
The Brazilian Chris Cyborg He already has a date and an opponent to defend the Bellator featherweight belt (up to 65.7 kg). The Curitiba native will put her reign on the line against the American Leslie Smith. The duel will be the main attraction of the Bellator 259, which is scheduled to take place on May 21st, in Connecticut (USA).
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The announcement of the Brazilian's second belt defense in the organization was made during the Bellator 255, this Friday (02), where Patrick Pitbull defended the featherweight belt and advanced to the final of the category's GP.
The fight between Cyborg and Smith will be a rematch, as the North American was the Brazilian's first rival in Ultimate. At UFC 198, held in Curitiba, in May 2016, Cris fought at home and knocked out the American in just over a minute of combat.
With a professional record of 23 wins and just two losses, Cyborg migrated to Bellator after problems with UFC president, Dana White. In the organization led by Scott Coker, the Paraná native knocked out julia budd, at the premiere, in January 2020, and submitted Arlene Blencowe. The last clash took place in October 2020.
On the other hand, Smith has an uneven record of 12 wins, eight losses and one draw. The American has three fights in Bellator, with two wins and one loss. In her last appearance, she defeated Amanda Bell at Bellator 245 in September last year.
More Brazil at Bellator 259
Besides Chris Cyborg, so far, Brazil will have another representative in the fight program of the Bellator 259. Matheus Matos, ex-TUF Brasil and training partner of the Pitubll brothers, will face Brett johns.
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