The history books won’t look too kindly upon Germaine de Randamie, who may very well be the worst champion in the history of the UFC.
De Randamie claimed the inaugural women’s featherweight belt against Holly Holm at UFC 208 in February. However, the unanimous decision victory was mired in controversy as the victor landed several illegal shots between rounds that went unpunished.
The title was billed as a ticket to fight former Strikeforce champion Cristiane Justino for the champion’s first defence. Cyborg’s presence at UFC 208 confirmed this.
However, de Randamie’s team recently stated their fighter would not take on the Brazilian knockout artist due to her failed drug test and even then, her hand was hurt, she was considering dropping back down bantamweight and retirement was another excuse that was thrown around.
Fortunately, the Iron Lady’s truly awful reign as UFC champion is finally over. The promotion confirmed the news via press release on Monday.
“UFC has informed Germaine de Randamie and her management team that she is being removed as the women’s featherweight champion due to her unwillingness to fight the No. 1 ranked contender, Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino. UFC maintains that any champion is expected to accept fights against the top contenders in their respective weight classes in order to maintain the integrity of the sport.”
BREAKING! @CrisCyborg vs. @MeganA_mma at #UFC214 as Germaine de Randamie is removed as featherweight champ. pic.twitter.com/aVGymI2upQ
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 19, 2017
Cyborg (17-1-1NC) is cleared to fight after being granted a retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for Spironolactone, the banned substance she popped for during an out-of-competition drug test administered on December 5.
Arguably the P4P greatest female fighter on Earth impressed so much in her stellar promotional debut against Leslie Smith that she was promoted to headliner status for her second outing against Lina Landsberg. Both 140lbs catchweight fights ended with fireworks, but the victor struggled to make weight both times.
At UFC 214 she will finally get the chance to fight at her preferred weight class (145lbs) as she takes on Invicta featherweight champion Megan Anderson (8-2), who enters into this bout off the back of a stunning knockout victory over Charmaine Tweet.
The highly-anticipated grudge match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier will provide the main event for UFC 214, a card which also features the likes of former bantamweight kin Renan Barao, British light heavyweight Jimi Manuwa and the outrageously ripped Sage ManZant.
