MMA Odds and Ends for Thursday: Cyborg vs Kunitskaya headlines UFC 222

Cyborg vs Kunitskaya at UFC 222

A women’s featherweight title bout between champion Cris Cyborg and challenger Yana Kunitskaya has been announced as the replacement main event for UFC 222 on March 3rd in Las Vegas, Nevada. Cyborg (19-1, 1 no contest) hasn’t lost in 13 years and most recently defended her belt against former women’s bantamweight champ Holly Holm. Kunitskaya (10-3, 1 no contest) is the current Invicta bantamweight champion, winning a decision against Raquel Pa’aluhi this past August.

I expect Cyborg to open as a massive favorite, at least -1000 if not more. I would be surprised if this fight gets out of the first round.

Edgar gets a new opponent

A featherweight title bout between Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway was originally supposed to be the UFC 222 main event, but Holloway was forced out of the fight with an injury. Edgar expressed wishes to stay on the card and his wish was granted as he’ll take on top featherweight contender Brian Ortega in what is expected to be a new 145-pound number one contender fight. 

Edgar (22-5-1) has won two straight fights, most recently dominating top prospect Yair Rodriguez to earn a title shot. Both title opportunities against Holloway have fallen through due to injury and he’s taking this bout to stay active. Ortega (13-0, 1 no contest) recently earned the biggest victory of his career when he scored a second round submission over Cub Swanson at UFC Fight Night 123. 

Look for Edgar to open as a medium favorite, although Ortega is going to be dangerous with his power, size and submission ability. 

UFC 221 Embedded Vlog Series Episode 1

UFC 221 Embedded Vlog Series Episode 2

Written by Brian Hemminger

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