UFC 219, taking place Saturday, Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, features two of the most anticipated fights of the year. Headlining the night is a women's featherweight title bout between Cris 'Cyborg' Justino and Holly Holm. Cyborg (18-1) has not lost since her professional debut in 2005 and has been arguably the most dominant fighter in mixed martial arts since then. Holm (11-3), who has experience beating legendary fighters, will look to test that. She is coming off an impressive head kick KO over Bethe Correia last June.
In the co-main event fans will finally see the return of Khabib Nurmagomedov (24-0). Due to injuries and weight-cutting issues he has not fought since defeating Michael Johnson at UFC 205 last November. His challenger will be Edson Barboza (19-4), a winner in three consecutive matchups. Barboza is coming off a win against Beneil Dariush where he won by an absolutely vicious flying knee knock out.
Other intriguing fights on the UFC 219 card include Carlos Condit (No. 8-ranked welterweight) vs. Neil Magny (No. 11), Cynthia Calvillo (No. 7-ranked female strawweight) vs. Carla Esparza (No. 8) and Kamaru Usman (No. 12-ranked welterweight) vs. Emil Meek.
Who will come out on top?
UFC 219 content
• UFC 219 Cheat Sheet: Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm
• UFC 219 Cheat Sheet: Nurmagomedov vs. Barboza
• While Cyborg vs. Holm is a great matchup, it doesn't solve UFC's long-term women's woes
• Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm statistical breakdown
• Five Rounds podcast: UFC 219 preview
• How can Holly Holm shock the world against featherweight champion Cris Cyborg at UFC 219?
• Video: What makes Holm dangerous for Cyborg
• Is Khabib Nurmagomedov ready to carry his weight and become Conor McGregor's worst nightmare?
• Featherweight championship fight between Cris 'Cyborg' Justino, Holly Holm set for UFC 219
• UFC adds lightweight bout between Nurmagomedov-Barboza to end-of-year UFC 219
• John Lineker scheduled vs. Jimmie Rivera at UFC 219
• Carlos Condit returning to Octagon against Neil Magny at UFC 219
