Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos file photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Fedor Emelianenko has an admirer in the world’s No. 1 women’s fighter, Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos.
“I feel very privileged to be the same card as him,” said Santos, who makes her second title defense against Jan Finney at Strikeforce/M-1 Global “Fedor vs. Werdum” this Saturday at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. “I haven’t met him yet, but I’m looking forward to that opportunity.”
Santos’s respect for the Russian heavyweight even extends into her personal life. The 24-year-old Brazilian import named her dog after the fighter. Santos told Sherdog.com she admires Emelianenko’s ability to go for the finish, a talent one could say she shares with her idol.
As for Saturday’s bout with Finney, Santos said she’s coming prepared for anything the 30-year-old Ohio fighter brings her way.
“I don’t really know much about Jan Finney, but I’m prepared in every aspect of the game,” said Santos, who has reviewed footage of her opponent. “I’m ready for ground-and-pound, striking with her, or jiu-jitsu…I don’t have one specific plan to fight her.”
Santos will have her own adoring fan in her corner in husband Evangelista, who was absent from her January victory to Marloes Coenen while he tended to business back in the couple’s native Brazil. Evangelista recently returned to the States with his daughter from a previous relationship to be with his wife. He also notched one of the bigger wins of his own career by knocking out Dream welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis at Strikeforce “Live” on June 16 in Los Angeles.
“He’s the one who pretty much trained me and started me off in the sport,” said Santos. “It’s very important for him to be there for me.”