Cris Cyborg officially becomes a U.S. Citizen
Infvicta FC champion turned UFC contender Cris Cyborg has officially become a United States citizen.
Women’s mixed martial artist Cris “Cyborg” Justino officially became a U.S. citizen.
The Brazilian was among thousands who took the oath of citizenship at the Los Angeles Convention Center during a naturalization ceremony Tuesday.
“The first time I went to America, I had the opportunity to fight here and people really appreciate my work and appreciate my sport,” said Justino (h/t APNews) “It’s an opportunity for me (to) give back for the American community what they give to me. I can vote. I can participate more,” she said.
According to immigration attorney Richard M. Wilner, Justino, who hails from Curitiba, Brazil, Justino first came to the U.S. on a visa for competitive athletes in 2008 and later applied for a green card.
In terms of competing, Justino (17-1), who is Invicta FC featherweight champion, made her highly anticipated UFC debut in May with a violent first-round knockout over Leslie Smith in their 140-pound catchweight bout at UFC 198. She followed this up with another first round destruction, this time against Lina Länsberg in the main event of UFC Fight Night 95 last Saturday.
But recently, she’s made headlines after UFC President Dana White revealed the 31-year-old turned down two opportunities to fight for the promotion’s inaugural 145-pound women’s title.
Justino would later respond that she had told the UFC the weight cuts to 140-pounds were too much on her body. As a result, she would require a full 12-week camp for any future bout in order for her body to recover from “almost dying” from her past weight cuts.
To date 15 of her 17 career wins have come by way of (T)KO, including nine within the opening frame.
More from FanSided
This article originally appeared on 
