It seemed like the bout wouldn’t happen, but the two sides have apparently come to a deal.
After weeks of back and forth regarding a possible UFC women’s featherweight title fight between champion Cris Cyborg and former women’s 135-pound champ Holly Holm, it appears that a deal is finally in place. The two ladies will compete at UFC 219 in December, and the UFC confirmed the bout via social media:
BREAKING: There’s a title on the line at #UFC219!@CrisCyborg is set to defend her undisputed featherweight championship against @HollyHolm in Las Vegas on Dec. 30. pic.twitter.com/zHAGrIQDir
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2017
Just one week ago the fight was declared “dead” by Holm’s manager. However, it appears that talks were reignited recently and a deal came into place today.
Cyborg (20-1, 3-0 UFC) claimed the vacant title by stopping Tonya Evinger in the third round of their UFC 214 bout in July. Her other two wins in the promotion came at 140 pounds.
Holm (11-3, 4-3 UFC) ended a three-fight losing streak with a KO win over Bethe Correia in June. She has previously challenged for the 145-pound title, dropping a decision to Germaine de Randamie in February. De Randamie then vacated the title, allowing Cyborg to claim it.
The bout will likely serve as the headliner for the December 30th card in Las Vegas.