Considered an underdog in the rematch against Cris Cyborg, Leslie Smith wants to show her evolution at Bellator 259

L. Smith is considered 'zebra' against C. Cyborg in Bellator 259 PHOTO: Instagram/@lesliesmithmma

Even being considered an underdog in the rematch against Chris Cyborg No. Bellator 259, Leslie Smith wants to show that she can surprise at the event next Friday (21). The North American did not shy away from the 'zebra' label but stated that it has evolved from the first confrontation with the Brazilian to now. The statement was given in the 'half day' of the show.

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“I feel like we’ve both changed. We've both been doing this for a long time and I know that I now have a much higher level of maturity and fighting knowledge. I'm more cerebral and have a better understanding of how to create and explore opportunities than I ever have. I also know that she has changed a lot. I think that as our styles evolve, this will make this confrontation much more interesting than the first”, declared the North American.

Without hiding that she is the underdog in the main fight, Smith has no problem with the label and wants to show that she can surprise even though she is a 'zebra'.

“I've always seen myself as an underdog, it's a position I celebrate. I’m working to show that even as an underdog, I can still be very dangerous,” concluded Smith.

The first duel between Chris Cyborg and Leslie Smith happened at UFC 198 which took place in May 2016. On that occasion, the Brazilian knocked out the North American in the first round. The show took place at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.

Signed by Bellator in 2019, Leslie Smith will be fighting for her fourth fight with the organization. Until here. the North American company achieved two victories and one defeat in the company chaired by Scott Coker. In its record, the bantamweight has a history of 12 triumphs and eight setbacks.