'Cris Cyborg' Brushes Off Dana White's Suggestion That She is Afraid Of Losing Again

Cristiane Justino has brushed off comments made by UFC President Dana White who suggested that the former UFC featherweight champion is “afraid to lose again” after her knockout loss to Amanda Nunes.

“Cyborg” had long been considered the best female fighter in the world, but lost her featherweight title back in December at UFC 232 to the now dual-division champion Nunes. The 34-year-old makes her return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 240 in Edmonton, Alberta against the undefeated former Invicta FC featherweight champion Felicia Spencer.

Ahead of her fight, “Cyborg” spoke with TMZ and addressed comments made by White that she is scared of losing again. Justino maintains that White’s comments were ignorant, considering the UFC President is not a fighter and has no idea what it’s like being in her shoes (Transcript via MMA Fighting):

“You think I’m surprised when Dana says things like this? I’m not,” Cyborg told TMZ. “I’m gonna be surprised if Dana White says something nice for me. It’s not new for me. And just challenge, I go over there and do my best.

“Dana White’s never stepped in the cage. He never fight before, he doesn’t know the fighter life because he’s the promoter.”

It may be the last time fans get to see “Cyborg” compete under the UFC banner given her tepid relationship with White and the fact that this is the final fight of her contract with the promotion. The former champion has also long expressed a desire to give professional boxing a go and may make the jump after Saturday.

“I fight Saturday and after Saturday, for sure I’m going to [answer] any question the media has for me,” Justino said. “I think I have to it a step at a time, focus now on Saturday, my next fight, and my fans know who I am. My fans know if I’m scared. I’m going to [get through this fight] and then talk to media.”