The UFC holds its last event of 2017 as it sets up the Octagon for UFC 219 in Las Vegas on December 30. The main event will see the dominant Cristiane”Cyborg” Justino place her UFC featherweight title at stake against Holly Holm.
There is plenty to love beyond the leading main event with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Edson Barboza, Carlos Condit and Marc Diakiese on the card.
Cyborg vs Holly Holm
We observe Cyborg (-360) since she has made a career out of destroying her enemies. Cyborg has ever been one of the most competitive fighters in the industry but the former Invicta featherweight champion has learned to exploit that thanks to her time with Rafael Cordeiro. The real meat to her game is your jab, as Cyborg will relentlessly throw the jab out until an opponent feels the need to fire back then she will counter with quick, fight-ending goals.
Cyborg is a massive fighter that possesses huge strength for demanding clinch conflicts — though she is also technically well served in this region as well. Her natural equilibrium and core power make takedown attempts typically unsuccessful.
Holly Holm (+270) is at her best when she can dictate the distance and pace of the struggle. The former professional fighter is great at picking away at her opponent in the distance as a result of her clean, smooth footwork. At this distance,”The Preacher’s Daughter” will throw a continuous diet of lefts and then wait for her opportunity to counter. Though boxing was her first sport, Holm has done a great job adding kicks for her repertoire with the infamous Jackson-Wink oblique kick playing an integral part. When a fight becomes dirty or she attempts to move forward, the former bantamweight champion is much more hittable.
In terms of grappling, Holm is strong from the clinch and possesses excellent takedown defense. However, if an opponent can get Holm into the mat, she does not offer much.
Holm is the stiffest challenge Cyborg has faced since Gina Carano eight years ago. Holm has the ability to possibly frustrate Cyborg with her motion and distance management. Eventually, Cyborg’s aggressive style will neutralize these benefits.
Read more: oracledailyvoice.com