Cris Cyborg Retains UFC Featherweight Championship Over Yana Kunitskaya At UFC 222

MMA

Yana Kunitskaya went into UFC 222 as an emergency replacement main eventer, and a hefty underdog against Cris Cyborg in a UFC Featherweight Championship bout. 

Kunitskaya surprised many early in the fight when she landed a low single leg takedown and tried to grind away at Cyborg. It was all for naught, however. By the end of the round, Kunitskaya was in the fetal position eating strikes from Cyborg, who had dropped her just moments prior. 

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Cyborg surprisingly has more options available at the moment than ever before. A potential superfight with UFC Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes has been discussed, but an injury to Max Holloway caused that to be put on hold in favor of the UFC 222 booking. Ketlen Vieira is 4-0 in the UFC's 135 pound division, but could very well compete as a "celebrity" challenger to Cyborg's title. In addition, Megan Anderson could be an option, but hasn't fought in 13 months. Marion Reneau is also on a hot streak in the UFC's bantamweight division, and with a title fight already booked for it, could easily put her in line for a crack at Justino.

The champion did take the time to call out Nunes following her UFC 222 win.

You can see our full UFC 222 coverage at this link, and our live post-show podcast at this link. 

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