Cristiane ‘Cyborg’ Justino in talks for multiple title fights, still eyes Ronda Rousey

Former Strikeforce champion and current Invicta FC featherweight titleholder Cristiane Justinocould have a busy year coming up.

Invicta FC is targeting Cyborg for a featherweight title defense in a reboot of a previously scheduled match. Invicta FC President Shannon Knapp told MMAjunkie the promotion wants to pair Justino with Ediane Gomes (10-2) for Invicta FC 8 in March.

The events location and date are not yet set, but Knapp said it could be the first time the promotion travels outside of Kansas City, Kan., where its held the bulk of its events.

Additionally, Justino (12-1) is also in negotiations to fight for a title in the muay Thai promotion Lion Fight, which is based in Las Vegas.

After a smashing debut at this past Septembers Lion Fight 11 event, where Cyborg earned a third-round TKO via body shots, Lion Fights President and CEO Scott Kent and Justino co-manager George Prajin told MMAjunkie that verbal agreements are in place for a title bout against an unnamed opponent on March 28. Contracts have yet to be signed.

The activity is good news for Justino, who sat out 2012 after a positive drug test for a steroid that stripped her of the Strikeforce title and prompted a one-year suspension. Her most recent appearance in the cage was at this past Julys Invicta FC 6 event, when she pounded out Marloes Coenen in a rematch to win the inaugural Invicta featherweight title.

Justino hasnt lost a fight since her pro MMA debut in 2005.

Knapp said 2014 could also see the dominant fighter drop down for an exploratory, non-title run at 135 pounds, the territory of her fiercest rival: UFC womens bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey.

Prajin said that while he and Justino co-manager Tito Ortiz were unable to come to a deal with the UFC on a first round of negotiations, he didnt rule out the possibility of future talks. Prajin also said that while Justino could make 135 pounds, it might not be a permanent move, and he reiterated a previous stance that 140 pounds is preferable. In an interview prior to the failed talks, UFC President Dana White said a Justino vs. Rousey fight could take place at 140 pounds.

I think she could make 135 for a few fights; I just dont see her doing it for her career, Prajin said. [The UFC] just didnt make it easy. They wanted six fights, and they also didnt want to share the (pay-per-view) revenue with Cris, and those are just a few things that we felt werent fair.