UFC 219
UFC 219: Cyborg vs. Holm was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on December 30, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, as the organization's final pay-per-view of the year.[1] The event drew an announced attendance of 13,561 spectators and generated a live gate of $1,760,628.74.[2] The main event featured a women's featherweight title bout between champion Cris Cyborg and challenger Holly Holm, with Cyborg retaining her belt via unanimous decision after five rounds, marking her first successful title defense in the UFC.[1] In the co-main event, undefeated lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov dominated Edson Barboza to secure a unanimous decision victory, extending his professional record to 25-0 and solidifying his path toward a future title shot.[1] The main card also included welterweight action where Neil Magny outpointed former interim champion Carlos Condit by unanimous decision, strawweight veterans Carla Esparza defeated Cynthia Calvillo via unanimous decision in a bout that ended Calvillo's undefeated streak, and a lightweight bout where Dan Hooker submitted Marc Diakiese.[1] On the preliminary card, light heavyweight Michal Oleksiejczuk initially won against Khalil Rountree Jr. by TKO but the result was later overturned to a no contest due to Oleksiejczuk's failed drug test.[1] Other notable prelim outcomes featured Tim Elliott tapping out Mark De La Rosa in a flyweight clash.[1] UFC 219 was broadcast on pay-per-view following prelims on Fox Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass, with the card comprising 10 bouts in total across multiple weight classes.[1] The event highlighted emerging talents and veteran performances, contributing to the UFC's strong close to 2017 amid growing global interest in women's divisions and lightweight contenders.[3]Event Details
Date and Venue
UFC 219 took place on December 30, 2017, serving as the Ultimate Fighting Championship's final pay-per-view event of the year.[4][1] The event was hosted at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.[1][5] T-Mobile Arena, which opened on April 6, 2016, features a capacity of 20,000 for UFC events in an in-the-round configuration that maximizes visibility from all seating areas.[6][5] This setup included a central octagon ring surrounded by tiered seating and premium suites, accommodating the high-energy atmosphere typical of major UFC cards.[6]Attendance and Financials
UFC 219 drew an announced attendance of 13,561 paid spectators to the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.[2] This figure contributed to a live gate revenue of $1,760,628.74, reflecting strong in-person interest for the year-end event despite a competitive holiday-season scheduling landscape.[2] The pay-per-view buyrate for UFC 219 was estimated between 340,000 and 380,000 buys, marking it as the third-highest performing UFC event of 2017 in terms of PPV sales.[7] This performance underscored the commercial draw of the main event featuring Cris Cyborg's featherweight title defense against Holly Holm, even as it fell short of blockbuster numbers from earlier in the year. In comparison to the prior year-end event, UFC 207, which achieved a sold-out attendance of 18,533 and a live gate of $4.75 million alongside over 1.1 million PPV buys, UFC 219 experienced a decline in metrics but demonstrated sustained growth in the promotion's overall year-end event viability without relying on high-profile comebacks like Ronda Rousey's.[8][9] These figures highlighted UFC 219's role in maintaining commercial momentum for the organization heading into 2018.Broadcast Information
UFC 219 was broadcast in the United States through a multi-tiered format typical of UFC events at the time. The main card aired on pay-per-view via UFC Fight Pass, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET on December 30, 2017.[10] The preliminary card was divided into segments for broader accessibility. Early prelims started at 7:30 p.m. ET exclusively on UFC Fight Pass, featuring the opening bout between Tim Elliott and Mark De La Rosa.[10] The remaining prelims followed at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1, covering fights such as Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk and Myles Jury vs. Rick Glenn.[10] Internationally, the event was distributed through UFC Fight Pass for global streaming access outside the U.S., allowing subscribers worldwide to view the full card. In the United Kingdom, coverage was provided by BT Sport, with the main card and prelims airing live starting at 1:00 a.m. GMT on December 31, 2017.[11] The English-language commentary for the pay-per-view main card was handled by Jon Anik on play-by-play, with color commentary from Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz. Bruce Buffer served as the ring announcer, and Joe Rogan conducted post-fight interviews.[12][13]Background
Main Event Development
The main event of UFC 219 featured Cris Cyborg's inaugural defense of the UFC Women's Featherweight Championship against Holly Holm. Cyborg had captured the vacant title just five months earlier at UFC 214 on July 29, 2017, defeating Tonya Evinger via third-round TKO in a performance that solidified her status as one of the division's most dominant forces.[14] Holm, a former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion who had famously upset Ronda Rousey in 2015, brought a storied resume marked by her transition from professional boxing to MMA and her technical prowess in the striking arts. The matchup was officially confirmed on November 16, 2017, following several months of matchmaking challenges in the nascent women's featherweight division. Earlier discussions and potential bookings, including rumors of other contenders, had faltered due to logistical and financial hurdles, leaving Cyborg without a confirmed opponent until late in the year.[15] This delay heightened anticipation for UFC 219, scheduled for December 30, 2017, as the promotion sought to establish a marquee title fight to anchor the year-end card. Pre-fight narratives centered on the stylistic clash between Cyborg's relentless aggression and undefeated streak—spanning over a decade with 18 consecutive victories—and Holm's precise, counterstriking approach honed from her boxing career. Cyborg was portrayed as an unstoppable finisher with devastating power, having secured 16 knockouts in her professional record, while Holm was highlighted for her resilience, having rebounded from title losses to Miesha Tate and Germaine de Randamie to position herself as a credible challenger capable of exploiting range and footwork.[16] Media coverage emphasized Cyborg's pressure-heavy style against Holm's ability to weather storms, drawing parallels to Holm's upset victory over Rousey as a potential blueprint for success. At the official weigh-ins on December 29, 2017, both fighters made weight without incident—Cyborg at 145 pounds and Holm at 144 pounds—ensuring the bout proceeded as planned. However, the ceremonial faceoff captured media attention for its palpable tension, with the two staring intensely amid promotional hype that amplified the personal stakes of the championship clash.[17]Fight Card Assembly and Changes
The UFC 219 fight card began taking shape in mid-2017, with the organization announcing key matchups over several months to build a stacked lineup for the year-end event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Early additions to the undercard included the women's strawweight bout between rising prospect Cynthia Calvillo and former champion Carla Esparza, confirmed on September 28, 2017.[18] Other preliminary card fights, such as the lightweight bout between Myles Jury and Ricky Glenn, were integrated during the fall announcements to round out the 10-bout program. By early November 2017, the main card structure was largely finalized, featuring high-profile bouts including a bantamweight matchup between former champion Dominick Cruz and Jimmie Rivera, alongside light heavyweight action with Gökhan Saki facing Khalil Rountree Jr. Several changes disrupted the card in the weeks leading up to the event, primarily due to injuries. On November 8, 2017, Cruz was forced to withdraw from his bout with Rivera after sustaining an arm injury during training camp. On November 21, John Lineker was signed as a short-notice replacement to maintain the main card's appeal.[19] However, Lineker was forced to pull out on December 24, 2017—just six days before the event—after developing a severe tooth infection that required emergency surgery, leading to the complete cancellation of the Rivera-Lineker fight.[20] In another significant alteration, Saki exited his light heavyweight matchup with Rountree on November 29, 2017, following knee surgery, and was swiftly replaced by Polish debutant Michał Oleksiejczuk, who stepped in on short notice to preserve the bout.[21] The co-main event, a lightweight title eliminator between undefeated contender Khabib Nurmagomedov and striking specialist Edson Barboza, was officially announced on October 27, 2017, adding substantial stakes and star power to the card.[22] To promote the evolving lineup, the UFC released a five-episode installment of its UFC Embedded vlog series in late December 2017, offering behind-the-scenes footage of fighters' preparations, training sessions, and media obligations, while emphasizing the event's depth and title implications. Pre-fight press conferences further highlighted the "stacked" nature of the card, generating buzz among fans and media for the December 30 showdown.[23]Fight Results
Main Card Outcomes
The main card of UFC 219, held on December 30, 2017, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, featured five bouts headlined by a women's featherweight title fight, with significant implications for divisional rankings and future matchups. The event showcased dominant performances in grappling and striking exchanges, culminating in unanimous decisions for four of the five fights.[1]Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm (Women's Featherweight Championship)
In the main event, Cris Cyborg defended her UFC women's featherweight title against former bantamweight champion Holly Holm in a five-round war marked by Holm's resilient boxing and Cyborg's relentless pressure. Round 1 saw Holm connect with sharp jabs and a knee to the body, but Cyborg closed the distance with clinch work and takedown attempts, though neither fighter gained full control. By Round 2, Cyborg ramped up her aggression, landing heavy ground-and-pound after a brief takedown, while Holm countered with effective leg kicks to slow the champion's advances. Rounds 3 and 4 featured back-and-forth action, with Holm's footwork evading Cyborg's power shots and scoring points via counters, but Cyborg's volume in the clinch and superior conditioning began to wear on the challenger. In the final round, both exchanged strikes at range, with Cyborg sealing the round through persistent forward pressure. Cyborg won via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), retaining her title and extending her unbeaten streak to 18 fights. Post-fight, Cyborg praised Holm's toughness in her octagon interview, calling for a rematch with Invicta FC standout Megan Anderson, while Holm expressed disappointment but highlighted her adaptability against a larger opponent.[3]Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Edson Barboza (Lightweight)
The co-main event pitted undefeated lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov against striking specialist Edson Barboza in a pivotal eliminator for a title shot. Nurmagomedov immediately imposed his wrestling in Round 1, securing a takedown early and controlling Barboza from top position with short elbows and ground-and-pound for nearly the entire frame. Round 2 followed suit, as Nurmagomedov absorbed minimal damage from Barboza's kicks before dragging him to the mat again, where he advanced to mount and unleashed punishing strikes that bloodied the Brazilian. In Round 3, Barboza attempted to keep the fight standing with leg kicks, but Nurmagomedov closed the distance for another takedown, maintaining dominant top control until the bell despite Barboza's late scramble. Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision victory (30-27 x3), solidifying his path toward the lightweight title. Immediately after, Nurmagomedov called out then-champion Conor McGregor in a heated promo, while Barboza acknowledged the grappling clinic in his post-fight comments, vowing to improve his takedown defense.[3]Dan Hooker vs. Marc Diakiese (Lightweight)
Lightweights Dan Hooker and Marc Diakiese engaged in a high-paced striking battle that transitioned into grappling dominance. The first round was a stand-up affair, with both fighters trading hooks and knees in the clinch, though Diakiese edged it with cleaner combinations. Round 2 saw Hooker find his range, landing a stiff jab that wobbled Diakiese and following with body kicks to sap his energy. In Round 3, Hooker capitalized on a fatigued Diakiese, securing a takedown and transitioning to the back for a guillotine choke at 0:42, forcing the tap. Hooker won by submission, marking his third straight UFC victory. Post-fight, Hooker celebrated the finish as a turning point for his career momentum, while Diakiese lamented the late collapse in interviews.[3]Neil Magny vs. Carlos Condit (Welterweight)
Veteran welterweights Neil Magny and Carlos Condit delivered a technical three-round contest emphasizing footwork and counters. Round 1 featured Condit's unorthodox angles and calf kicks pressuring Magny, who responded with long-range jabs to maintain distance. In Round 2, Magny took control with a takedown and ground strikes, though Condit reversed to threaten with a guillotine. The final round saw both fighters fatigued but competitive, with Magny's volume edging out Condit's flashier attempts. Magny earned a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), rebounding from recent losses. Condit, in his post-fight remarks, hinted at potential retirement amid ongoing injury issues, praising Magny's resilience.[3]Carla Esparza vs. Cynthia Calvillo (Women's Strawweight)
Opening the main card, Carla Esparza faced Cynthia Calvillo in a women's strawweight bout defined by Esparza's wrestling and striking volume. Round 1 saw Calvillo aggressive with takedown attempts, but Esparza defended and countered with ground strikes. In Round 2, Esparza reversed an early takedown and dominated with top control, landing elbows. Round 3 continued Esparza's pressure, outstriking Calvillo to secure the win. Esparza won unanimously (29-28 x3), handing Calvillo her first professional loss and ending her undefeated streak. Esparza credited her experience in her victory speech, while Calvillo noted areas for improvement. Calvillo later received a six-month suspension for a marijuana metabolite violation, but the result was upheld.[3]Preliminary Card Outcomes
The preliminary card of UFC 219 consisted of five non-title bouts across multiple weight classes, streamed on Fox Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass, setting the stage for the main event without the high-stakes pressure of championship implications. These fights showcased a mix of veteran experience, debut performances, and competitive decisions, with one result later altered due to a doping violation.[3] In the early prelims, flyweight prospect Matheus Nicolau dominated Louis Smolka with superior wrestling and ground control, preventing Smolka from mounting significant offense and earning a unanimous decision victory (30-26, 30-26, 30-25) after three rounds. Nicolau's pressure allowed him to outstrike Smolka 78-32 in significant strikes, highlighting his undefeated streak in the UFC at the time.[3] The following bantamweight matchup saw Tim Elliott rebound from recent setbacks by outgrappling Mark De La Rosa, transitioning to the back and securing an anaconda choke submission at 1:41 of round 2. Elliott's relentless pace and submission expertise neutralized De La Rosa's early striking attempts, marking Elliott's first UFC win since 2014.[3] Transitioning to the main prelims on Fox Sports 1, the middleweight clash between Marvin Vettori and Omari Akhmedov unfolded as a gritty striking battle, with Akhmedov dictating the pace through takedowns in the first two rounds before Vettori rallied with heavy punches in the third. The bout ended in a majority draw (28-28, 28-28, 29-28), reflecting the close action where both landed 74 significant strikes.[3][24] Featherweight veteran Myles Jury controlled Ricky Glenn with precise jabs and footwork, maintaining distance to avoid Glenn's power shots and securing a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Jury's strategy emphasized volume striking, outlanding Glenn 112-68 in significant strikes over three rounds.[3] In a light heavyweight opener, Polish debutant Michał Oleksiejczuk overwhelmed Khalil Rountree Jr. with aggressive forward pressure and ground-and-pound, earning a TKO victory via punches at 2:59 of round 1. Oleksiejczuk's debut performance featured 32 significant strikes in under three minutes; however, the result was overturned to a no contest in March 2018 after the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended Oleksiejczuk for one year due to a positive test for exogenous testosterone.[3][25]Awards and Compensation
Performance Bonuses
At UFC 219, the Ultimate Fighting Championship awarded its standard $50,000 performance bonuses to recognize exceptional efforts during the event.[26] The Fight of the Night bonus went to Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm for their main event women's featherweight title bout, a competitive five-round war that showcased intense striking exchanges and resilience from both fighters.[27][28] Performance of the Night honors were given to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who earned his bonus through dominant grappling control in a unanimous decision victory over Edson Barboza in the lightweight co-main event, and to Tim Elliott, who secured a quick submission finish via anaconda choke against promotional newcomer Mark De La Rosa in the second round of their flyweight prelim bout.[26][29][28] UFC president Dana White announced the bonus recipients during the post-event press conference on December 30, 2017, following the conclusion of the fights at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.[27][26] This bonus structure, featuring Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards at $50,000 each, has been a staple of UFC events since 2005, originating with early iterations like Submission of the Night at UFC 51 to incentivize thrilling performances and fighter retention.[30][31]Reported Fighter Payouts
The disclosed fighter payroll for UFC 219 totaled $1,795,000, based on figures provided to the Nevada State Athletic Commission by the UFC. This amount represents base show purses and win bonuses but excludes performance incentives, sponsorships, and deductions such as taxes or insurance. Cris Cyborg topped the payouts with a flat $500,000 show purse for her main event victory over Holly Holm, with no win bonus reported. Holm, the challenger, received $300,000 in show money, also without a disclosed win bonus. Among co-main event participants, Khabib Nurmagomedov earned $160,000 total, comprising $80,000 show money and a matching $80,000 win bonus for his win over Edson Barboza. Barboza's payout was $75,000 in show money. Other notable earners included Carlos Condit with $115,000 show money and Neil Magny with $140,000 total ($70,000 show plus $70,000 win bonus) from their welterweight bout. On the preliminary card, Carla Esparza secured $72,000 ($36,000 show plus $36,000 win bonus) against Cynthia Calvillo, who earned $41,000 in show money.| Fighter | Show Money | Win Bonus | Total Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cris Cyborg | $500,000 | None | $500,000 |
| Holly Holm | $300,000 | None | $300,000 |
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | $80,000 | $80,000 | $160,000 |
| Edson Barboza | $75,000 | None | $75,000 |
| Carlos Condit | $115,000 | None | $115,000 |
| Neil Magny | $70,000 | $70,000 | $140,000 |
| Cynthia Calvillo | $41,000 | None | $41,000 |