Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for a Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg fight should it actually happen
Mar 4, 2015 - 3:25:19 PM ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for a Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg fight should it actually happen

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If Ronda Rousey vs. Cris Cyborg is the next fight for both of them, how do you think it would play out in the following scenarios: A) Cyborg makes 135 lbs. as Rousey and the UFC have said she needs to, or B) Rousey acquiesces to meet Cyborg at a catchweight of 140 lbs.


RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Let's get this part out of the way - Rousey's not fighting Cyborg at any weight other than 135 lbs. The only way they fight at a catchweight is if Cyborg steps on the scale overweight. Then the fight will be moved to a catchweight.

So, how will the fight play out? Regardless of the amount of muscles you have in your arms, bones break, tendons snap, and ligaments tear just the same. Cyborg won't stay on the outside away from Rousey's clinch, and once Rousey gets inside, Cyborg's elbow is going to be screaming out. Kind of like her ballooning up to 175 pounds this week screams out to the world that she's not serious about getting down to 135 pounds; she's just serious about the notoriety. Rousey taps her in the first (minute).


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

If this fight happens, I think the agreement is set for a catchweight at 140 lbs. It doesn't matter, though, because Rousey kicks her ass at any weight. Rousey beats Cyborg at 135, 140, 145, 150, etc. It's nothing against Cyborg, and I'm not being flippant here, it's just that Rousey is that good. She's at a level where the only one who can beat her is herself. If this fight comes about, it ends however Rousey wants it to end. A few years ago you could have said that Cyborg could beat Rousey on the feet, but now they're probably about even. Rousey has all the leverage here. If the UFC wants her to fight Cyborg, they better be ready to fork over the money. I don't know how long Rousey can sustain this level of excellence she's on, but she has all the power in this situation.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

If Cyborg makes 135 lbs. I see this going Rousey's way. She's accustomed to the cut, and Cyborg has never been that small. The effects of the cut being so much larger than her usual could be devastating, and Rousey would take advantage of that from the opening bell. At 140 lbs. I think we see Cyborg more comfortable and more threatening, perhaps even a victor. However, that's not a title fight, so what's the point? It's a super fight absolutely, but we don't see anything on the line except pride unless she makes bantamweight.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Ronda dominates both times. Simple as that. But at least it would have an interesting buildup to the fight.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

The fight has to happen at 135 lbs. What sense would it make for them to fight at catchweight? Let's say it happened at 140 lbs. and Cyborg was to win. Ronda would still stay Bantamweight Champion. Cyborg would still be in limbo with a win over the champion but no belt and no division in the UFC in which to fight.

If the pair were to fight for the Bantamweight Title I'd slightly favour Ronda, though if the fight takes place at 140 lbs. or 145 lbs. I'd be putting my money on Cyborg to pull off the win.