Cyborg Justino helps save the day for March’s UFC 222

The Fertitta-owned era of the UFC had several top fighters who could be relied upon to “save a show” and jump into a fight when a main event dropped out due to injury. The post-Fertitta era now has their own growing star who earned that designation: Cyborg Justino.

The UFC women’s featherweight champion once again has stepped up on short notice to headline a show as she will defend her title against UFC newcomer and former Invicta bantamweight champion Yana Kunitskaya in the main event of March 3rd’s UFC 222, first reported by MMA Fighting.

Additionally, Frankie Edgar will now face rising contender Brian Ortega in the co-main event in a bout that will unofficially give men’s featherweight champion Max Holloway his next challenger. Edgar was supposed to fight Holloway in the main event but the champion had to withdraw due to injury.

Justino last competed on December 30th, outlasting Holly Holm to successfully defend her title. That was also a fight made with just over a month’s notice.

The rest of the Las Vegas-based card includes Stefan Struve vs. Andrei Arlovski, CB Dolloway vs. Hector Lombard, Cat Zingano vs. Ketlen Viera, John Dodson vs. Pedro Muhnoz, and more.