Cindy Dandois


Cindy Dandois is a Belgian mixed martial artist who currently competes in Professional Fighters League.
She formerly competed in the Bantamweight and Featherweight divisions in Invicta and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She began her judo training at the age of 5 under the training of Johan Laats, and freestyle wrestling at age 8 under Joseph Mewis. Dandois later transitioned into mixed martial arts and trains at Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts while she is in the United States.

Personal life

Dandois is a high school teacher. She has five children: Naomi, Eleftherios, Lola Katerina, Nafisatu, and Sara-Mae.
During her time in Strikeforce she was scheduled to fight Miesha Tate, but the bout never materialized. This brought the two together, and they have been friends ever since. Tate later invited Dandois to the United States, to assist in her in training for her second fight against Ronda Rousey.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

In January 2009, Cindy Dandois made her professional MMA debut, defeating Marloes Coenen. Over the next several years Dandois defeated champion kickboxer Jorina Baars, and took on other fighters under the M-1 banner. Dandois was going to fight Gina Carano after the latter had lost to Cris Cyborg, but had to withdraw due to getting pregnant.

Invicta FC

After three years of inactivity due to pregnancy Dandois became active again, and signed with Invicta Fighting Championships.
In her promotional debut with Invicta FC in December 2014, Dandois faced Tonya Evinger at Invicta FC 10: Waterson vs. Tiburcio. She lost the fight by armbar submission.
Dandois' next opponent was Megan Anderson, who she defeated by triangle choke submission at.
Dandois then submitted Jessamyn Duke via armbar submission at Invicta FC 18: Grasso vs. Esquibel.
Dandois was later scheduled to face Cris Cyborg at a 140-pound catchweight, but the fight was cancelled. Daria Ibragimova was given the headliner fight instead, as a 145 title shot against Cyborg.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In February 2017, it was announced that Dandois had signed with the UFC. In her debut, Dandois fought Alexis Davis at UFC Fight Night 108. She lost the fight via unanimous decision. Dandois later announced on her Instagram that she had been released from the UFC.

Rizin Fighting Federation

Dandois then signed with the Japanese promotion Rizin Fighting Federation. She made her debut against Reina Miura at on December 29, 2017. She won the fight by split decision.

Bellator MMA

Dandois faced Olga Rubin on November 15, 2018 Bellator 209
She lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Professional Fighters League

In March 2020, Dandois signed with Professional Fighters League.

Mixed martial arts record