The doubters claimed Cristiane Justino would never make 140lbs. To prove them all wrong, she tipped the scales at 139.
‘Cyborg’ is set for her UFC debut, on Saturday, after a professional MMA career that has seen her go 15-1 and rise rapidly in the fight game.
The Brazilian will take on Leslie Smith at UFC 198, in Brazil, at a catch-weight of 140lbs.
That accommodation was even a stretch for Justino, who often fought at 145 in Invicta before her recent move. In January, she defended her Invicta featherweight title against Daria Ibragimova whilst weighing 163lbs – a gain of 18lbs after her weigh-in.
This weekend, she is expected to go even further.
Worrying images of Justino emerged earlier today. Despite her positive vibes on social media, the 30-year-old appeared extremely gaunt.
On My way To Arena! #ufc198 pic.twitter.com/JWG9qlB5Lo
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) May 13, 2016
For her weigh-in, Justino moved slowly and with consideration before soaking up the adulation from the home crowd. 139 and ready for her stare-down.
So there it is, @criscyborg is in her UFC kit and has weighed in at 139lbs #UFC198 pic.twitter.com/RS1LsCAWQc
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 13, 2016
As the event wrapped up, Bett Okamoto from ESPN caught up with George Lockhart, Justino’s nutritionist. It is a role he also performs for Conor McGregor.
Lockhart, Cyborg's nutritionist, told me she should be around 165-168 by tomorrow's fight time.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 13, 2016
If she gets up to 168lbs, that would be a weight gain of 29lbs in just over 24 hours.
One can’t imagine it would be in the Brazilian’s best interests to go from that dehydrated and drained to such a substantial weight gain in a tiny time-frame.
