Cris Cyborg V Holly Holm Preview : The biggest woman's fight in the UFC!
For years, it seemed as though the biggest possible fight in mixed martial arts was Cris Cyborg versus Ronda Rousey. Neither woman were in the same promotion, but it seemed inevitable that the former would join the UFC and a catchweight bout would be made. Unfortunately, Rousey, easily one of the biggest stars in the promotion's history, has had a sharp fall from grace and one of the women who set her on that decline, Holly Holm, now has that sacred spot. They will head up UFC 219 to finish up 2017 and female supremacy in MMA is on the line.
Odds of 9/1 are available with William Hill for Holm to win via KO (£30 free bet)
Holm's return
As mentioned above, Ronda Rousey was a superstar fighter that the world of MMA had never seen before. She put more eyes on female fighters than anyone in history and she was as destructive as they come. And yet, Holly Holm totally schooled her at UFC 193 back in late 2015. It was actually a tad embarrassing as Rousey almost arrogantly stormed into the former boxer. Holm used her range to destroy Rousey, but since then, she dropped the title in the very next fight to Meisha Tate - someone Rousey had beaten twice - and has lost her other two fights since then, all via decision. Now, she has a date with Cris Cyborg and it seems like she has been lined up as a credible opponent for the featherweight legend. However, if Cyborg takes Holm for granted, she may well feel the rangy jab that punished Rousey.
Get odds of 3/1 with Betfair for Holm to win (£100 free bet)
Cyborg's time
The Brazilian has only had three fights in the UFC and she has won via KO every time. But, between Invicta Fighting Championships and Strikeforce, Cyborg has been a formidable presence and huge name in MMA for years now. At 32-years-old, she's probably at the apex of her powers now and as the UFC featherweight champion, she's sitting on top of the throne. As a Muay Thai, Ju-JItsu, boxing and wrestling specialist, Cyborg is a match for virtually anyone and one would think she'll be able to negate Holm's striking prowess. There is a slight reach difference in Holm's favour, but let's not forget what a devastating finisher Cyborg is and only two of her 18 victories have come via decision. She's not a technician who submits her opponents, she brutalises them and that's what makes this an intriguing fight.
Coral are offering odds of 1/3 for Cyborg to win (£20 free bet)
FREEbets.org.uk Prediction
Holm's losing streak looks set to continue here. She has the potential to put in a good performance if she uses her snapping jab to keep Cyborg at distance, she has a chance. But, Cyborg is too ferocious and explosive to be contained. It'll be a KO win.
Odds of 4/5 are available with William Hill for Cyborg to win via KO (£30 free bet)
Statistics
- Cris Cyborg has won all of her fights in the UFC via KO
- Holly Holm used to be a professional boxer
- Holly Holm knocked out the legendary Ronda Rousey