Cris Cyborg: Signing with Bellator opens opportunities for boxing or pro wrestling

Cris Cyborg sees many career options ahead now that she’s with Bellator.

Cyborg (21-2 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), the former UFC, Strikeforce and Invicta FC featherweight champion, will look to add another belt to her collection when she challenges Bellator 145-pound champ Julia Budd at Bellator 238.

With Bellator providing different opportunities with cross-promotion in the past year, Cyborg sees herself potentially competing in a boxing match or even in pro wrestling.

“You know I always like to challenge myself, and if I have the opportunity … I think it’s a big thing, signing a deal with Bellator,” Cyborg told reporters, including MMA Junkie, Monday at her gym in Huntington Beach, Calif. “It’s something I can be able to do, boxing fight, I can do WWE, pro wrestling, anything, and Scott (Coker) with me, behind me. He’s going to help promote Bellator, too. This is the good thing. I love a challenge, and if this opportunity shows up for me, for sure I’m in.”

Having worked for Bellator president Scott Coker bfore, Cyborg is grateful to have him behind her. She’s confident Coker will back her in whatever she decides to do in her career.

“I think he opened a lot of things in my career,” Cyborg said. “When I fought Gina Carano, he opened the door for women’s MMA, and I think all the girls – most of the girls – at 145 are in Bellator now. They wait for me there, and I’m very happy. I’m not going to have to struggle to wait to fight and work with a boss that wants to work with you. It’s very nice. When they promote the fighters, I think it’s great.”

Bellator 238 takes place Jan. 25 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.

To hear more from Cyborg, watch her full scrum in the video above.