Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Cris Cyborg returns, headlines Bellator 259 in rematch with Leslie Smith

Cris Cyborg has her next title defense scheduled. The Bellator women’s featherweight champion will meet Leslie Smith in the main event of Bellator 259 set for May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

The fight announcement was made during the broadcast of Bellator 255 on Friday night. Cyborg and Smith were brought out to speak about the upcoming fight and take part in a face-off.

The two women previously shared the cage with one another in 2016 when both were still competing under the UFC banner. For her promotional debut, Cyborg met Smith in a 140-pound catchweight bout at UFC 198 that ended in 81 seconds when Cyborg stopped Smith by way of technical knockout.