We’ve waited a long time for Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino to make her UFC debut in hopes that one of the most dominant women fighters in the world would finally be challenged. We’re going to have to wait a little longer. Cyborg’s much anticipated UFC debut comes against a low-level opponent in Leslie Smith, and the odds reflect what looks to be a squash match.
Bet on UFC 198 odds at BookMaker.eu
Cristiane Justino -1304
Leslie Smith +971
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +205, under -245
ODDS ANALYSIS
Same old story for Justino, who is usually more than a 10-to-1 favorite in her fights as the Invicta FC champion. In her last bout against Daria Ibragimova, Cyborg closed at -2000. Going back further, Justino was a -2500 and -1250 favorite against Faith Van Duin and Charmaine Tweet, respectively. You’d have to go back to 2013 to find any matchup where she wasn’t bigger than a -1000 favorite, and that was against Marloes Coenen at Invicta 6.
In regards to the over/under at 1.5 rounds, only one of Cyborg’s last seven fights have gone past the first round. She’s been nearly as dominant as a pre-Holly Holm Ronda Rousey, notching 13 KOs in her 15 career victories.
EARLY REACTIONS
It’s a shame that the UFC couldn’t find a more worthy opponent for Justino. What’s worse is that we have no idea when we’ll see Cyborg in the octagon again. The Brazilian bomber can’t make the cut to 135 pounds, and there her natural featherweight class doesn’t exist in the UFC. This is a one-time, special catchweight bout at 140 because UFC 198 takes place in Justino’s hometown of Curitiba.
Honestly, it makes sense for bantamweights to steer clear of Justino. Word has it that former champion Holly Holm turned down the bout to wait for a title shot. That was probably wise, because if she got wrecked by Cyborg -- even in a catchweight bout -- her stock would take a hit at bantamweight.
If the reports are to be believed, Smith was the only available fighter that would step up to face the oncoming storm. Top contender Cat Zingano is slated to meet prospect Julianna Pena at UFC 200. Former title Sara McMann meets Jessica Eye at UFC 88. And champion Miesha Tate is defending her belt against top contender Amanda Nunes.
That all means we get another Cyborg teaser. This chick’s been beating up on inferior competition for years, and in all likelihood that will continue in Curitiba. Still, it’ll be awesome just to see her inside the octagon after all the hurdles Dana White and Co. put in front of her. I’m sure the challenge that Cyborg represents will compel a top bantamweight to challenge her in the near future. And maybe, just maybe, that could lead to a superfight against Ronda Rousey.
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HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines now at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC 198 takes place May 14, 2016 in Curitiba, Brazil. The card is expected to be televised on FS1.
