UFC champion Germaine de Randamie says her refusal to face Cris "Cyborg" Justino inside the Octagon has "nothing at all to do with my fear" of the knockout artist.
De Randamie (7-3) won the UFC's inaugural 145-pound title by defeating Holly Holm in February, under expectations her first title defense would be against Justino (17-1). The two even squared off for a quick photo at the event in Brooklyn.
In a statement released through her management last week, however, de Randamie made it clear she would not face a "proven cheater" in Cyborg. Justino, who holds 15 career wins via knockout, tested positive for steroids in 2011.
On Monday, de Randamie pointed to her clean history as a professional athlete and said she's now focused on returning to the 135-pound division, where she has fought the majority of her career.
"During the negotiations on the battle with Holly Holm, I said in advance that after this fight I want to return to my natural weight class of [135 pounds]," de Randamie wrote on Instagram. "My task has not been completed yet.
"The UFC has promised me that this would be no problem and I can just return to my natural weight class. This is why I am focusing on this moment."
In addition to an apparent move back to the bantamweight division, de Randamie, of the Netherlands, said she has an appointment on June 14 to diagnose a lingering hand injury.
Despite her intentions to leave the 145-pound weight class, de Randamie suggested an immediate rematch against Holm shortly after they fought at UFC 208. The UFC made it clear at that time it was only interested in booking de Randamie's next fight against Justino.
In the meantime, Justino has been campaigning for a title fight against Invicta FC featherweight champion Megan Anderson (8-2). The Brazilian hasn't fought since last September.
The UFC has not yet commented on de Randamie's refusal to defend her title.