Cagewriter reports that Cris “Cyborg” Justino is threatening to sue Ronda Rousey for statements she made regarding Cyborg allegedly taking steroids.
The threat of litigation stems from interviews in which Rousey indicates Cyborg takes (or has taken in the past) steroids. Justino claimed in a tweet that her lawyer would call and included the twitter handle of her agent.
A lawsuit based on PED accusations is not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, Manny Pacquiao sued Floyd Mayweather, Jr. in December 2009 based on Mayweather’s accusations that Pacquiao used performance-enhancing drugs. Of course, Pacquiao denied the claim.
Rousey is not the only fighter that has accused rivals of taking PEDs. Last month, Donald Cerrone accused lightweight champ Rafael Dos Anjos of PED use.
Payout Perspective:
One would think that this is just posturing on the part of Justino just to get under the skin of Rousey. As we outlined in the Zuffa lawsuit against Wanderlei Silva, defenses to a claim of defamation include the truth and/or privilege. Also, the defense of opinion could be used as well. Justino tested positive for steroids when she was in Strikeforce. Rousey could genuinely insist that her comments were the truth and/or her opinion based on her past history. Justino would counter that she is now clean and that Rousey’s comments are not only tarnishing her reputation but inhibiting her ability to obtain a fight. All of this is clearly speculation as one would think that the UFC would step in to prevent lawsuits as they inevitably want this fight to happen.
Another fight Cyborg can’t win. Rousey made an opinion and unlike Wandy didn’t claim she had proof. So she can claim it’s her opinion. Also Cyborg will run out of money long before Rousey will. So a law suit will be much tougher on Cyborg.