Cris Cyborg explains why Ronda Rousey superfight never happened

Cris Cyborg says her long-simmering tension with Ronda Rousey began when the former UFC champion refused to fight her at the height of both their careers.

The current PFL champion told Sherdog that Rousey had multiple opportunities to accept a superfight during her dominant run but turned them down. Cyborg added that if Rousey would not take the bout when both were active and winning, she certainly will not accept one now.

Cyborg addresses rivalry ahead of PFL Tampa retirement bout

Speaking ahead of her retirement fight against Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa, Cyborg dismissed speculation around a fan-made poster that had circulated online. She noted that the rivalry was rooted in avoidance rather than animosity. "I think fear eventually turned into rivalry," she said. "I never did anything to her. In fact, Dana himself used to say that once Ronda beat Holly, her next fight would be against Cyborg. But then she lost, got really upset, decided to retire, and now she's back alongside Gina."

Rousey compiled a 12-0 record and seven title defenses before losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes ended her UFC run. After a decade away from MMA, she returned earlier this year under the Most Valuable Promotions banner with a win over Gina Carano.

Cyborg faces Vieira on Saturday at PFL Tampa before hanging up her gloves.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Why Cris Cyborg vs. Ronda Rousey never happened in the UFC