Transgender fighter Fallon Fox

By Joshua Molina

Cris Cyborg dismantled Marloes Coenen as expected last night at Invicta FC 6, raising the question of what happens now?

Cyborg is in a league of her own. She’s too strong, fast and aggressive. Yes, she was popped for performance enhancement drugs 18 months ago, but based on her loss of muscle mass, she appears clean now, and still indestructible.

A fight with UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey appears a long way off, if ever, since the two can’t agree to a weight to fight at. So in the absence of a dream women’s fight, Cyborg needs to think about building her star in order to force Rousey to step up to the plate and take a fight with Cyborg.

The only big name that Cyborg can challenge is Fallon Fox, the transgendered fighter who was born a man and has sparked controversy by choosing to fight women. Fox may be a hero to some who have looked to break down gender walls, but most MMA fans think it is wrong for a born guy to fight a born girl, regardless of what doctors might say about the transformation.

In other words, a lot of fans want to see Fox lose. Cyborg could be the perfect person to take Fox on, and turn herself into a national MMA fan favorite along the way. Not that Fox deserves a title shot. But the reality is that there aren’t a lot of female 145 pound fighters who can hang with Cyborg.

Cyborg needs to stay busy and active and show the MMA world that she’s just as impressive as Rousey.

Coenen, one of the best female fighters in the world, had no chance against Cyborg — twice.

Invicta FC needs to make Cyborg vs. Fox happen. Yes, it would be a bit of a freak show. But it’s a freak show people would want to watch. And if Fox can beat Cyborg, great for her. The world’s best female fighters don’t have to wait for Rousey.

There’s room to build the sport with or without her cooperation or involvement.

Follow reporter Joshua Molina on Twitter.