Cris “Cyborg” Justino may have been quickly taken out by Amanda Nunes in their highly anticipated battle, but Bellator’s Scott Coker believes that “Cyborg” is still the greatest women fighter to date.
Coker makes case for “Cyborg” is the G.O.A.T
For some time, the consensus was that “Cyborg” held the greatest of all time title in women’s MMA, especially after Ronda Rousey’s run as the UFC’s 135 champ ended. After all, “Cyborg” went well over ten years without losing, and during that time she won belts with Strikeforce, Invicta FC and the UFC.
But, after Nunes needed less than a minute to finish “Cyborg” in December, 2018, many folks shifted the G.O.A.T title to her. Not only did Nunes quickly defeat Justino, but she is the reigning 135 and 145 champ with the UFC, and she’s defeated others greats like Rousey, Miesha Tate and Holly Holm.
Well, in advance of Bellator 237, Coker was asked about “Cyborg”, and the promotion’s president said this (quote via MMA Mania):
“Cyborg is the greatest female fighter of all time. I don’t care what anybody says,” said Coker. “I was there in the beginning too, I’ve seen it all unfold, and it’s a much different environment today than it was back then. But I know who’s been dominating for the last 10 years and who’s been destroying people for the last 10 years. 10 years from now we can have a different conversation, see how far different ladies can take it. But as far as today, you have the greatest female fighter of all-time fighting Julia Budd.”
It’s an interesting argument, in terms of how long someone needs to be dominant, before earning G.O.A.T. status. Nunes incurred losses in 2013 and 2014, while as noted above, “Cyborg” went almost 15 years without losing.
For example, some have made a similar argument while talking about Jose Aldo and whether he’s the greatest 145’er of all time. Yes, Aldo lost to Max Holloway twice, and he was quickly KO’d by Conor McGregor in 205. Prior to that, however, Aldo went a decade without losing. As a result, some believe until someone matches that run, Aldo will remain the best featherweight.
Now, all that said, Nunes has won titles at 135 and 145, and continues to hold them for the UFC. So, that’s historically significant as well, in addition to the fact she beat “Cyborg”. So, does winning two division’s titles and defeating Justino weigh more heavily?
Bellator 238 line-up
Here is the line-up for Bellator 238, which will take place on January 25th in Inglewood, California (card via MMA Mania).
145 lbs.: Aaron Pico (4-3) vs. Daniel Carey (7-3)
145 lbs.: Julia Budd (13-2) vs. Cris Cyborg (21-2, 1 NC)
145 lbs.: Jay Jay Wilson (4-0) vs. Mario Navarro (4-5)
170 lbs.: Khonry Gracie (2-1) vs. Hector Saldana (2-4)
170 lbs.: David Pacheco (1-0) vs. Craig Plaskett (4-3)
145 lbs.: Brandon Bender (12-1) vs. Gabriel Green (9-2)
155 lbs.: Ricardo Filho (8-2) vs. Dominic Clark (14-9)
145 lbs.: Tyler Beneke (0-1) vs. Jarrett Connor (0-0)
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