UFC 208 was fraught with debate yesterday after several fights ended in controversial decisions.
At the forefront of fan and media discussion, and headlining the card, was a featherweight title bout between decorated strikers Germaine de Randamie and former bantamweight champion Holly Holm. De Randamie ultimately took out the unanimous decision however many pundits had the fight falling in Holm’s favour. With a couple of after the bell strikes from de Randamie, that didn’t result in fouls, many were left pondering what was next for the women’s 145lb division.
Cue Megan Anderson.
It’s been no secret that the Aussie has been gunning for a shot in the UFC and her legions of fans have been just as vocal over the last few months. Ever the opportunist Anderson took to twitter to make her intentions known, calling out Holm after it was revealed that de Randamie would need to undergo surgery and would be unable to defend her belt anytime soon.
Hey @HollyHolm if Germaine is out for surgery, I’ll step in & fight you. You can test yourself against a true 145er ? @danawhite @seanshelby https://t.co/5Q3X1nz1by
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) February 12, 2017
Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino seemed to have other ideas though challenging Anderson to unify the Invicta belts. ‘Cyborg’ is currently sitting out pending the final outcome of a potential ant-doping violation which was flagged in December. However, UFC’s Dana White has suggested that things may be looking up for the pound-for-pound number one female fighter in the world telling ESPN that medical conditions may see her exempt from suspension. This would open up the Brazilian for a title fight against de Randamie upon her return to Octagon. In the mean time however ‘Cyborg’ has her sights set firmly on the Gold Coast native.
Sounds like @IronLadyMMA might need some time off. @MeganA_mma you ready to unify the @InvictaFights belts?!
— #UFC208 (@criscyborg) February 12, 2017
Whilst Anderson has not shied away from a future show down with ‘Cyborg’ the Aussie is keen for a quick turn around after her TKO victory over Charmaine Tweet just last month and insists Holm is the better option right being both healthy and available to fight.
Despite trepidation about the introduction of the 145lb division this year it would seem that the women at the helm have just made it all the more interesting. Stay tuned.
