Cyborg says Ronda underestimated Holly Holm: 'I was already thinking about myself'

C. Cyborg (photo) catches Holm on December 30 Photo: Reproduction Facebook UFC)

A few days before his fight against Holly holm at UFC 219, Chris Cyborg revealed that her current opponent “spoiled” a possible superfight against Ronda Rousey. At UFC 193, in 2015, Holm shocked the sport by knocking out the former champion with a high kick and ending her reign. The Brazilian said that she had practically everything worked out with Ronda in what would be the biggest duel in the history of women's MMA.

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In an interview with the North American press before the duel with Holm, Cyborg stated that her former rival Rousey ended up underestimating the former boxing champion and that cost her dearly. For Cris, “Rowdy” was already thinking about the superfight and didn’t take Holly’s challenge so seriously.

“I think that when Ronda faced Holly, people were already saying: “Ah, after you beat Holly, you will face Cyborg”. She didn't think of Holly first. I was already thinking about myself, about accepting to face myself. I think you have to think about each fight. Everyone was talking about my fight with her before it happened”, commented Cyborg, who admits that he was also thinking about Ronda.

“I was prepared to face Rousey. I was watching the fight (between Holm and Ronda) at a friend's house. A few minutes before starting, I went to the bathroom, knelt down and prayed. I told God that He knew I wanted to confront Ronda, but that I was going to leave it in her hands. Whoever won the fight depended on Him. If Ronda loses, she loses. Same thing with Holly. That day changed everything. Since UFC 193, I knew I was going to face Holly holm"He assured.