Cris Cyborg Documentary Details Difficulty Of Weight Cut To 140 Pounds For Haters Whining Why She Can’t Make 135 Pounds

For many years, Cristiane Justino — professionally known in MMA as Cris Cyborg — has been criticized for her inability to cut her weight down to the bantamweight division maximum of 135 pounds. Usually the criticisms come up during the argument on who would win in an MMA fight, Cyborg or Ronda Rousey. For those who support Cyborg, they argue that “Rowdy” used to compete at 145 pounds and is able to fight Cyborg in the women’s featherweight division. They also argue that Ronda Rousey dropped to 135 pounds to “duck” Cris Cyborg.

On the other hand, those who support Ronda Rousey argue that Rousey, at the time, was the undefeated champion and if Cris Cyborg wanted to fight her, she would need to go down to the bantamweight division. Let’s not forget all the accusations that Cyborg is on steroids after her failed drug test almost five years ago.

Today, things are different. Cris Cyborg is considered the best pound-for-pound female fighter in MMA after Ronda Rousey was decimated by Holly Holm. With a 16-fight win streak (formerly a 17-fight win streak), Cyborg has a record that surpasses all other female MMA fighters. Two of those fights, Cyborg was at a catch weight of 140 pounds. Five pounds may not seem a lot of weight, but for someone who is already fit at 145 pounds, it can be difficult. Now MMA fans will get a first-hand look at just how difficult it is for Cris Cyborg to make weight at 140 pounds through a documentary.

The upcoming documentary is a biopic of Cris Cyborg’s journey into UFC, as reported by Fight Line. Prior to UFC 198: Werdum vs. Miocic taking place, Cyborg heard that the premier event’s venue would be in her hometown of Curitiba, Brazil. Because of this, Cyborg lobbied for UFC to have her fight at the event and fans were behind her 100 percent. Eventually, the fans’ voices were heard and Cyborg was granted a fight against Leslie Smith. However, the fight would have to happen at a catch weight of 140 pounds. This is where the real challenge for Cris Cyborg actually began.

Just so it is known, Cris Cyborg did fight at a catch weight of 140 pounds before. Back in July 26, 2008, Cyborg fought Shayna Baszler (who is by happenstance one of Ronda Rousey’s closest friends) at a catch weight. Cyborg won that fight via TKO in the second round. Fast forward to before UFC 198. That is almost eight years between then and now and Cyborg’s body is probably not accustomed to such weight changes now that she’s 31 years of age. Ergo, Cris Cyborg making weight is debilitating.

In the trailer for the documentary, as reported by MMA News, we can see just how tough it is for Cris Cyborg to cut weight. She is always wearing a sauna suit to help sweat off any extra weight while doing high-intensity cardio. Add her training on top of that and it is probably a nightmare. There are even times when Cyborg is in tears from her suffering and unable to move.

Ultimately, the documentary was probably made with the added intention to enlighten MMA fans, especially those who are hardcore Ronda Rousey fans, what it would take for Cris Cyborg to get to 135 pounds (which she might never be able to).

Besides MMA, there are reports that Cyborg might make the jump to women’s boxing. Cecilia Brækhus, a decorated champion boxer, is willing to step up to fight Cyborg if she wants it. Until then, Cris Cyborg will be preparing for her return to the Octagon on September 24 when she fights Lina Lansberg at a catch weight of 140 pounds at UFC Fight Night: Cyborg vs. Lansberg.

[Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images]