Cris Cyborg is ready to make her octagon comeback.
After announcing a planned exit early this year, the former UFC, Strikeforce, and Invicta featherweight champion is expected to take on Felicia Spencer at UFC 240.
ESPN.com first reported the potential bout, citing UFC President Dana White, and a person close to negotiations confirmed to MMA Junkie that talks are underway.
UFC 240 takes place July 27 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The fight card is headlined by a featherweight title bout between champ Max Holloway and ex-lightweight champ Frankie Edgar. Cyborg-Spencer is expected to be the evening’s co-feature bout.
Cyborg is six months removed from the second loss of her professional career, a first-round knockout against bantamweight champ Amanda Nunes that ended an incredible unbeaten streak of 13 years and 20 fights.
Cyborg (20-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC) was angered by the UFC’s actions immediately following the fight. She accused the promotion of disrespecting her by not allowing a post-fight speech. That led to speculation that the might fight out her contract and leave for another promoter, but her coach said she would return.
Standing in the way of Cyborg’s redemption is Spencer (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), a former Invicta FC champ who earlier this month upset Megan Anderson in her octagon debut at UFC on ESPN+ 10. Spencer has finished all but two of her opponents. Cyborg, however, marks a steep step up in competition.
For more on UFC 240, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
