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Sinead Kavanagh is making waves in the MMA world once again, as she sets her sights on a rematch with Cris Cyborg. The Irish fighter, who recently won her second straight fight at Bellator 291, is hoping to face the former UFC champion in Dublin.
Kavanagh previously faced Cyborg back in 2017, where she suffered a tough loss via unanimous decision. However, the 34-year-old believes that she has grown as a fighter since then and is now better equipped to handle Cyborg's power and aggression.
In her recent back-to-back victories over Leah McCourt and Janay Harding, Kavanagh displayed her striking prowess and showed that she is a force to be reckoned with in the Bellator featherweight division. With a record of 9-5, including four knockouts, Kavanagh is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
“That’s two great f*cking wins,” Kavanagh told MMA Junkie and other reporters following Bellator 291. “I put on a show both times, fought on one leg. … I’m ready. I want Cyborg in Dublin. That’s what I want. That’s what I want for the fans, as well.”
She continued, “Fight the best in Ireland, Sinead Kavanagh.”
However, a rematch with Cyborg would undoubtedly be Kavanagh's toughest test yet. Cyborg, who currently holds the Bellator featherweight title, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. With a record of 26-2, including 20 knockouts, Cyborg is a dominant force in the division.
The fight between McCourt and Cat Zingano at Bellator 293 on March 31 is considered to become a possible No. 1 contender matchup, but Kavanagh believes she deserves to get that first opportunity. She is determined to face it once again before that, but Kavanagh intends to run things back with Cyborg in Ireland, so this could be a bit of a wait.
“I done a good 15 minutes there, good strikes, my power was there,” Kavanagh said. “I do want Cyborg, I do want her in Dublin, but that’s in September. That’s too long of a wait. I want to fight, then her in September.”
Despite the odds, Kavanagh is confident in her abilities and believes that a rematch with Cyborg would be a great opportunity to prove herself. The Irish fighter has been vocal about her desire to fight in front of her hometown crowd in Dublin, and a rematch with Cyborg would undoubtedly be a huge draw for Irish MMA fans.
Bellator has yet to announce any official plans for a rematch between Kavanagh and Cyborg. However, with Kavanagh's recent performances and her desire to face off against one of the greatest fighters of all time, it wouldn't be surprising to see this matchup materialize shortly.
Regardless of what happens next for Kavanagh, it's clear that she has firmly established herself as a top contender in the Bellator featherweight division. With her striking skills and unwavering determination, the Irish fighter is sure to continue making waves in the MMA world for years to come.