UFC 219: Pros React to Cris Cyborg’s Defeat of Holly Holm

Cris Cyborg, UFC Women's Divisions
Credit: Gleidson Venga/Sherdog.com

Cris Cyborg faced the biggest test of her career at UFC 219 β€” 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.