Cyborg to defend Bellator title vs. Smith on May 21
Bellator women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg is set to defend her title in a rematch against Leslie Smith at Bellator 259 on May 21, the promotion announced Friday.
Cyborg, a former UFC featherweight titleholder, defeated Smith via first-round TKO in her first UFC bout in 2016.
Cyborg has won two straight fights since signing with Bellator after a two-year stint in the UFC. The Brazilian finished Julia Budd in her debut to capture the belt, then defended it for the first time against Arlene Blencowe last October to earn her first career submission victory.
Smith is coming off a win over Amanda Bell last September and is 4-1 in her past five outings. She is 2-1 in Bellator.
Bellator 259 is set to take place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.