By Jorden Curran
Ireland’s Sinead Kavangh will get her shot at one of the most prestigious prizes in pro MMA when she takes on formidable icon of the sport, Brazil’s Cristiane Justino Venâncio, popularly known as “Cyborg”, the reigning Bellator women’s featherweight world champion.
Speaking on The MMA Hour, Bellator president Scott Coker revealed that the bout will take place as the main event of Bellator 271, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Kavanagh took home a silver medal back in 2015 at the IMMAF World Amateur Championships in Las Vegas. In the semi-finals, “KO” Kavanagh needed just 38 seconds to land a devastating knockout blow, booking her place in the gold medal decider. However, her final bout against Jamie Herrington (originally a R3 stoppage for Herrington) was overturned to a no-contest as the Canadian failed a post-fight anti-doping examination, testing positive for amphetamines.
Kavanagh has built herself a reputation as a crowd pleasing, hard-nosed slugger and holds a 7-4 record since turning pro, currently on a 2-fight win streak. Cyborg (24-2), a former UFC world champion, snatched the Bellator crown for her decorated collection back in January of 2020. The 36-year-old has defended her title twice with both wins coming via stoppage.
