Cristiane Justino was standing in the front row for this UFC 208 main event and it is unlikely anything she saw will worry her as much as the outcome of her doping violation.
Germaine de Randamie was crowned the UFC’s first featherweight champion in the women’s division. Dropping to her knees in the Barclays Centre after being handed the unanimous decision against Holly Holm, the first thing the new champion will have heard was the sound of indifference. And doubt.
A first defence against Cyborg is already in doubt as the 32-year-old Dutch kick-boxer revealed afterwards that she may require surgery on her hand.
.@IronLadyMMA is the first UFC women's featherweight champion! 🏆👏 #UFC208 pic.twitter.com/lQWfwohwK9
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) February 12, 2017
Holm has now lost three on the spin since making history and becoming the first woman to beat Ronda Rousey back in November 2015. However many believe ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ was unfairly treated by the judges on Saturday night, as they failed to punish De Randamie for not one but two late blows after the end of the second and third rounds.
The second incident prompted a talking-to from the referee, but she escaped without more serious sanction – a sanction that could have proved pivotal in a bout that was scored 48-47 across the board.
“It was in the heat of the moment. I apologised,” said De Randamie afterwards of the blows you can see below.
Many fighters watching on were unimpressed with both the blows and the officiating.
Ref's lackadaisical approach put Holm at risk there big time. Late shot! #UFC208
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 12, 2017
Take a point! 😡
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) February 12, 2017
That punch at the end 😱
— Big Ben Rothwell (@RothwellFighter) February 12, 2017
You get the feeling Cyborg will have been unperturbed by what she has seen from the new 145lb champ.
