Leslie Smith on facing Cris Cyborg: 'I seriously can't believe that nobody else wanted this fight'

[La Paix]

It was just a few hours after her fight with Rin Nakai in Brisbane, Australia and Leslie Smith was walking around the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with her boyfriend Kevin Lum. Smith saw a notification on her phone from UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby, but thought it was a mistake.

About an hour later, Smith ran into Shelby at the zoo. He told her that the UFC was still looking for an opponent for Cris Cyborg at UFC 198 and the promotion was having trouble finding someone for her to face. Lum said Smith had sparred with Cyborg before. And Smith added that she'd absolutely be interested in fighting the Brazilian superstar.


Leslie Smith on facing Cris Cyborg: 'I seriously can't believe that nobody else wanted this fight'

 

[Papi Chingon]

Who is that sex girl in the back? Dear lord!

 

[PeteyParker]

I like Leslie, but this will not last 1 round. Leslie fought at FlyWeight before, this is gonna look like Miocic vs Maldonado it wont surprise anybody at the ending. I really hope Big John is refing this to save Leslie from excessive brain trauma.

 

[PeteyParker]

....

 

[Ghost Bro]

I seriously can't either


View: https://twitter.com/CatZingano/status/714932917894393856

 

[Ted Williams' head]

She's about as big a sacrificial lamb as you're going to see in the UFC now a days. She has a lot of heart but she doesn't have the skills to deal with Cyborg. This one is going to be quick and brutal.

 

[Silverball]

I think this is Leslie's final fight on her UFC contract, so why not go out in front of 40,000 fans in Brazil?

 

[kneeblock]

I seriously can't either


View: https://twitter.com/CatZingano/status/714932917894393856

Zingano vs. Cyborg would've been legit.

 

[Ghost Bro]

Zingano vs. Cyborg would've been legit.

Might happen at some point! From what she said on her twitter it seems like something that interests her.

 

[BaneBreaksBacks]

Zingano vs. Cyborg would've been legit.

I'd love to see that fight. I really don't want to see Leslie's ear explode again.

 

[Jehannum]

I still don't understand why it's Cyborg/Smith and Zingano/Pena

although none would benefit from a win over Smith would they?

 

[La Paix]

I still don't understand why it's Cyborg/Smith and Zingano/Pena

although none would benefit from a win over Smith would they?

It's Cyborgs debut in her home town so I'm not surprised they've given her a softball down the middle. Remember when they matched up CroCop vs Sanchez for Mirkos debut? These things happen in MMA.

 

[Ryann Von Doom]

It's Cyborgs debut in her home town so I'm not surprised they've given her a softball down the middle. Remember when they matched up CroCop vs Sanchez for Mirkos debut? These things happen in MMA.

Leslie is far from being like Sanchez.

 

[Shinbudo1]

I still don't understand why it's Cyborg/Smith and Zingano/Pena

although none would benefit from a win over Smith would they?

zingano probably in line for a title shot if she beats Pena but leaves her in a weird spot cause win or lose rousey will fight holm and tate
she'd have sit around and wait till the top 3 decide what they want do

 

[Jehannum]

zingano probably in line for a title shot if she beats Pena but leaves her in a weird spot cause win or lose rousey will fight holm and tate
she'd have sit around and wait till the top 3 decide what they want do

there is a news story on Sherdog today which has added some confusion about Pena too.

Julianna Pena Agrees to Counseling, Will Have UFC Return Bout Scheduled in ‘Near Future’

 

[TravelBug]

Who else is big enough to fight Cyborg that's in the UFC?

There's not many, only Holly or Ronda. The rest could make 125lbs

 

[HEATH VON DOOM]

Just got Leslie at +900. Hope the weight cut wrecks cyborg.