Cris Cyborg Takes on Undefeated Kelsey Wickstrum

World Fighting Championships (WFC) is set to make a grand return on January 19 at the picturesque Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, featuring a thrilling card headlined by Cris Cyborg taking on Kelsey Wickstrum in the main event.

Cris Cyborg, known as one of the top female MMA fighters globally, is set for her second professional boxing match after a successful debut in 2022 where she defeated Gabrielle Holloway in a dominant four-round unanimous decision in Omaha.

Expressing her excitement about the upcoming fight, Cyborg stated,

“I am excited to be making my California boxing debut with Pechanga Casino and WFC. Kelsey Wickstrum is ranked #3 in the USA at super welterweight for women’s boxing, and it will be a great challenge.”

Cyborg's opponent, the undefeated Kelsey Wickstrum (2-0, 1KO), is coming off a first-round stoppage win over Sudana Moore in April 2023 in Maryland.

Wickstrum shared her thoughts on the upcoming bout, saying,

“My team and I feel great about this fight. I am very grateful for the opportunity. This is the biggest fight of my career against a legendary woman in the world of mixed martial arts and women's combat sports. All my preparation leading up to this fight was to make sure I am prepared mentally and physically to handle this fight, no matter what direction it may go."

WFC CEO Matt McGovern expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating,

“This is a great card to kick off 2024 for World Fighting Championships. We’re excited to have Cris Cyborg on the card, and she is facing a very tough opponent in Kelsey Wickstrum. We’re very grateful to Pechanga Resort Casino and the Pechanga Band of Indians for partnering with us on this event.”

In the co-main event, San Diego’s Jesus Resendiz (7-0-1, 5KO) will face Rosekie Cristobal (15-6, 11KO) of the Philippines in a six-round welterweight bout. Resendiz is coming off a third-round knockout over Jose Leon, while Cristobal will be returning to the ring for the first time since 2021.

The stacked card also features exciting matchups such as San Diego super lightweight Angel Estrada (10-1-1, 7KO) facing off against San Antonio's Frank Brown (3-3-2, 1KO) and super welterweights Angel Munoz (5-0, 4KO) and Keith Carson (1-6-1) going head-to-head.