Cynthia Calvillo books first fight since UFC release

Former UFC headliner Cynthia Calvillo will look to regain some momentum as she returns to the regional scene in Australia.

Calvillo (9-6-1) will compete in her first post-UFC bout Sept. 7 when she headlines HEX Fight Series 32 in Melbourne, Australia. The promotion recently announced she will challenge for its women’s flyweight title against Road to UFC alum Lisa Kyriacou (7-2).

From 2017 to 2023, Calvillo competed in the UFC a total of 13 times. The run was turbulent. Initially 6-1-1 in her first eight bouts for the promotion, Calvillo garnered praise from pundits and fans, as well as UFC CEO Dana White, who once compared her to Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey.

Calvillo, 37, went on to lose five-straight fights. She was given another opportunity twice, but twice withdrew. The final straw was an April cancellation after she missed weight by three pounds.

Kyriacou aims to rebound from the first loss since her professional debut in 2021, a Road to UFC split decision defeat against Qihui Yan in May.