C. Cyborg (left) and L. Smith (right) face each other in the Bellator 259. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
She's ready. Chris Cyborg makes his second defense of the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) in the rematch against Leslie Smith, in an event confirmed for this Friday (21), at Bellator 259 in Uncasville (USA). In total, the show has 13 presentations and, in addition to the champion, Maycon Mendonça and Leandro Higo They are also Brazilian representatives.
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Considered one of the greatest fighters in the history of women's MMA, Cyborg will try to maintain her position for the second time since returning to Bellator. Previously, she defeated the Canadians julia budd and Arlene Blencowe.
On the other hand, Smith is trying to win the first belt of his career. The American had her chance after defeating Amanda Bell, in a fight marked by a unanimous decision from the judges, valid at Bellator 245.
In addition to Cris, the Bellator 259 It also features two other Brazilian presentations. The event will be attended by Maycon Mendonça – who makes his debut in the organization – and Leandro Higo.
Cyborg x Smith: the rematch
At 35 years old, Chris Cyborg will exchange forces against an unknown old woman this Friday (21). The Brazilian faced Leslie Smith in her Ultimate debut, in 2016. Combined at catchweight, the fight ended in the first round, with a knockout for the Curitiba native in her hometown.
Since then, Cyborg has seen action eight other times, with seven victories and only one defeat. On the other hand, Smith became less active and performed on five occasions. During the period, the North American scored four triumphs and a single setback.
One of the biggest names in Bellator history, Cris will make his 27th commitment as an MMA professional. Currently, the fighter has a record of 23 wins, two losses and one fight without result. She last lost in December 2018 when she was knocked out by Amanda nunes.
Known for her great resistance in the Octagon, Leslie has 21 fights in her career, which began in 2009. In total, the American has a record of 12 wins, eight setbacks and one draw.
Brazil at Bellator 259
The Brazilian public can also follow two other representatives at the Bellator 259.
In the co-main fight, Leandro Higo will try to confirm the good phase in search of his second positive result in a row in the rematch against Darrion Caldwell. Sixth placed in the bantamweight category (up to 61,2kg), the athlete from 'Pitbull Brothers' will try to expand his opponent's bad form, who was submitted by AJ McKee in his last appearance. In the first fight between the fighters, which took place in March 2018, the American defended his title by applying a guillotine choke in the first round.
The first Tupiniquim representative of the event, welterweight (up to 77kg) Maycon Mendonça makes his debut against the North American Jaleel Willis. The Brazilian was 'recruited' by the organization after winning the LFA title in December 2020. At 30 years old, he is on a run of five consecutive victories and has a record of 11 positive results and four negative results.
Likewise, Jaleel Willis is going through a similar moment in his career. The American also has five consecutive victories, the last being against Mark Lemminger, in a fight scheduled at Bellator 253, held in November 2020.
Bellator 259 technical sheet
Order date: 21 May 2021
Open Hours: From 19pm (Brasília time)
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE and in real time; PRELIMINARY CARD, on Bellator's YouTube channel and main on ESPN Brasil
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Chris Cyborg x Leslie Smith – Fight for the belt
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Darrion Caldwell x Leandro Higo
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Christian Edwards x Ben Parrish
Welterweight (up to 77kg) Maycon Mendonça x Jaleel Willis
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Hannah Guy x Valerie Loureda
PRELIMINARY CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Nate Andrews x Saad Awad
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Tyree Fortune x Grant Neal
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Sumiko Inaba x Kristina Katsikis
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Sean Felton x Aviv Gozali
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Davion Franklin x Tyler King
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Janay Harding x Leah McCourt
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Brett johns x Danny Sabatello
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Alfie Davis x Alexander Shabliy
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