Babe, Ali, Jordan, Tiger – the greats usually only need one name.
Saturday night in Brazil, one of the greatest women to ever step foot inside the Octagon does so for the second time. And make no mistake – when Cyborg is fighting, that’s the only reason needed to tune in.
Cris Cyborg takes on Lina Lanserg in the main event of Fight Night Brasilia. The former Strikeforce and current Invicta champion hasn’t lost in 11 years, and that was in her professional debut. It can be argued that Cyborg is the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound female fighter on the planet and her resume – filled with knockouts – backs up the argument.
Lansberg is 6-1 and has won four of her fights by knockout. Not much is known about the UFC newcomer but she likes to stand and bang and even went as far as to call Cyborg beatable when asked about facing the storied Brazilian in her home country.
Most of Cyborg’s opponents say the right things before the fight but when the door closes and the furious combinations start flying, Cyborg usually is able to do whatever she wants.
Gina Carano was once the most recognizable name in women’s MMA, but she chose to walk away after one fight with Cyborg.
Cyborg vs. Lansberg is the No. 1 reason to watch Fight Night Brasilia.
2 – Will the real Barao please stand up?
It’s been two and a half years since Renan Barao reigned as the bantamweight champion of the world. He was widely considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters on the planet and a future showdown with injured (at the time) former champ Dominick Cruz was set to be “The Fight.”
But since then Barao has gone 1-3, losing twice to former bantamweight king TJ Dillashaw. The last loss to Dillashaw forced Barao to go up to featherweight in an attempt to find his game.
Barao faces Phillipe Nover in the co-main event and it should be a fun one to watch. “The Filipino Assassin” has heavy hands and a good ground game. He should be a nice test for Barao in his second fight at 145 pounds.
3 – Do or die for a pair of heavyweights
Roy Nelson and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva have a combined two wins in their last 12 fights. Something has to give for one of these heavyweights.
Nelson has had a hard time doing enough to win decisions recently, dropping three of his last four overall (all have gone the distance). Silva has prevailed in one of his last five and all four losses have been first-round knockouts.
At this stage for both men it’s going to be about survival when they clash in Brazil. Bigfoot traditionally has power, while Nelson uses his toughness and technique to win fights.
4 – Irish Dragon gets another huge test
Paul Felder has won his last two after a disappointing two-fight losing skid. In Francisco Trinaldo, Felder has a significant obstacle in front of him and one that will say a lot about his progression should he be able to win and do it in impressive fashion.
Trinaldo has won six in a row and his developed striking and big power punches make him a dangerous fight for anyone in the lightweight division.
Trinaldo is coming off a Fight of the Night win against Yancy Medeiros and seems to be clicking on all cylinders when it comes to the stand up game. Feldor is an aggressive striker with power and a pressure style, which should lead to a matchup with plenty of fireworks.
Matt Parrino is a digital producer and writer for UFC.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MattParrinoUFC