Cris Cyborg thinks Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano will come down to one thing.
Rousey (12-2) meets Carano (7-1) in a featherweight bout on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. and streams on Netflix. Rousey hasn’t competed since a TKO loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016, whereas Carano returns for the first time since getting finished by Cyborg in a Strikeforce title fight in 2009.
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“Whoever has more management between the distance can win this fight,” Cyborg told MMA Junkie Radio. “I believe Gina has very good muay Thai, she can really hurt Ronda if she really keeps the distance and defends the takedowns.
“If she does this, for sure Ronda is going to remember back 10 years her last fights. But, I think it’s going to be who keeps the distance in the fight can get the win for sure, and I believe Gina can make some damage.”
Rousey took shots at Cyborg during her promotional tour for the fight, but the PFL champion says the idea of fighting Rousey wouldn’t even be fair.
“When people wanted to watch this fight between me and Ronda, we’re talking about 10 years ago when we were in our prime,” Cyborg said. “After she lost her last fight to Amanda Nunes, she (took) 10 years to come out of retirement. I don’t really know if people want to see her get hurt. I think it’s nice how she’s matched up for this fight against Gina Carano. Gina is a legend in this sport and coming from retirement, too.
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“We fought each other in 2009, and I believe it’s going to be a great fight for Ronda coming back after retirement and after her two losses. I think she’s right in her mind now, so it’s cool she’s coming back. I think it’s not cool when you quit fighting when you have two losses and you hide in a pillow. It’s nice for people to remind you what you did for the sport and you overcome.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Cris Cyborg breaks down Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix
