FanSided MMA Awards: Cris Cyborg is 2019’s Biggest Signing of the Year

Former UFC, Strikeforce and Invicta champion, Cris “Cyborg” Justino, is the FanSided MMA Awards Biggest Signing of the Year for 2019.

Cris “Cyborg” Justino is still considered one of the most dangerous women in mixed martial arts. When she left the UFC, after many tumultuous months, it was clear there would be a bidding war for the former Strikeforce, Invicta and UFC champion. Many wondered if she’d end up abroad signing with ONE Championship who already snapped up an ex-UFC champion in Demetrious Johnson. Others thought she could try the Professional Fighter’s League route taking on Kayla Harrison for the $1 million prize.

But it was Bellator who finally snagged Justino, in what was reportedly the biggest signing in WMMA history. Justino was also given a (deserved) immediate title shot and she will make her promotional debut on Jan. 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA when she faces their champion  — Julia Budd.

But Justino wasn’t the only big signing that Bellator nabbed this year.

Here are a few of the big names that Bellator signed in 2019:

• Josh Barnett
• Liz Carmouche
• Cat Zingano
• Sergio Pettis
• Curtis Millender

It’s clear that the stock of Bellator is rising as it bolsters its roster with up and coming regional talent and proven veterans of the game. Bellator had a very good year securing a Fight Card of the Year nod (to be revealed soon) as well as its first venture to Japan in 2019.

Justino was also named as No. 71 in the overall FanSided 250 rankings, and No. 15 overall for sports figures.