Cris Cyborg faced the biggest test of her career at UFC 219 — and passed it.
In the UFC 219 main event, Cris Cyborg proved she was too much for a very game Holly Holm. ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ came out with an excellent game plan, and actually matched up quite well in the strength department with the fearsome Cyborg. Arguably winning the first two rounds, it looked very much like Holm was in the fight. After two, Holm was bruised, Cyborg was bloodied, and it was anyone’s fight.
Not to be outdone, Cyborg came back in the final three rounds. Wobbling the spirited Holm, who was beginning to show the effects of Cyborg’s powerful strikes on her face, Cyborg took control of the bout. While Holm would still get in a few strikes as the fight progressed, she was wearing down. Cris Cyborg, on the other hand, was going steady.
Ultimately, the judges awarded a unanimous decision victory to the champ, Cyborg. It was the big win, against a name opponent, that she needed to validate herself with those who doubted the legitimacy of her title.
After the bout, Cyborg suggested a fight with Megan Anderson, the former Invicta FC featherweight champ, in Australia would suit her. We say book it.
Here’s what the pros had to say.
I apologize for ever doubting you @criscyborg
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) December 31, 2017
I have @HollyHolm winning th fight 3-2 #UFC219 but wow what a fight
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 31, 2017
Aside from Khabib who absolutely killed it tonight 😳 The women really stole the show at #UFC219
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) December 31, 2017
Amazing @HollyHolm @criscyborg ! 5 rds where you both fought with strength, technique and heart. Proud to call you both friends #UFC219
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 31, 2017
I got @Amanda_Leoa over both… you can mark my words… again.
— Nina Ansaroff (@NinaAnsaroff) December 31, 2017
Great fucking fight! Respect to both ladies @HollyHolm @criscyborg
— Chase Sherman (@ChaseShermanUFC) December 31, 2017
I don’t care the results even Holly is my Hero
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) December 31, 2017
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great fight
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) December 31, 2017
Holly did the work but I'd #still give it to Cris @ufc
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) December 31, 2017
Congrats and still champ@criscyborg for the win! #bellyrubapprove pic.twitter.com/3mGCbEtf8k
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) December 31, 2017
Great fight ladies! Congrats Cris on retaining your belt! 👏🏻👏🏻 @ufc I think there's only 1 fight to make now against a legit featherweight. #UFC219
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) December 31, 2017
Great fight! Congrats @criscyborg! #UFC219
— Shannon Knapp (@shanknapp) December 31, 2017
Not sure which 2 rnds the judges gave Holly. But she had some good moments in a couple rounds. Cyborg still out-struck her every rnd by the numbers. And more damage in my opinion. Great fight! @ufc
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) December 31, 2017
Cyborg cannot be stopped by a mere mortals… T1000 #UFC219 pic.twitter.com/JM9I3KzlIr
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) December 31, 2017
Wish @HollyHolm would have gotten the win. Great person and great fighter 👊💪 #ufc219
— Sara McMann (@Sara_McMann) December 31, 2017
Such a great fight but what's next for Cris Cyborg? Who can come close?
— Randa Markos (@randamma) December 31, 2017
