Khabib Nurmagomedov had been out of MMA action for more than a year before UFC 219. Against an extremely dangerous knockout artist, ‘The Eagle’ made a massive statement and sent a clear message to the champion…
Having struggled to make weight for the most part of his UFC career, Khabib Nurmagomedov looked healthier than ever before UFC 219. Facing Edson Barboza in the co-main event last night, Khabib really needed a big win.
Prior to UFC 219, Nurmagomedov was meant to face Tony Ferguson at UFC 209. Seemingly doomed from the start, 209 saw the main event fall apart on just 24 hours notice, as Khabib got TKO’d by his Tiramisu addiction.
Looking lean and ripped before his showdown with Barboza, there were high hopes for Nurmagomedov’s return. Making weight without a glitch, all ‘The Eagle’ needed to do was overcome the vicious knockout power of his Brazilian rival.
These things are easier said than done, just ask Holly Holm, but Khabib was on fire.
Khabib SMASH!
Using his wrestling prowess and ground and pound, Nurmagomedov made mincemeat of Edson Barboza. A striker on his back with a fist in his face will never be able to get the win, and ‘The Eagle’ was simply too powerful on the mat.
Nurmagomedov was dominant, bloodying Barboza with a high volume of punches on the ground. After the win, Nurmagomedov even offered to fight interim champ Tony Ferguson and champ Conor McGregor in one night:
“When I’m injured, these guys talk. When I’m here, where are they? If UFC approves, I’ll fight both Conor and Tony in the same night. Why not? I swear, this is no joke.”
Watch the video highlights below:
And How About Cyborg?
Cyborg was simply too big, too strong, too fast and too durable for Holm. Although she put up a gritty five-round effort, it was nowhere near enough for ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ to secure the win.
Cyborg remained the women’s featherweight queen with a dominant decision win. In the process, she left Holm so swollen she was nearly unrecognizable. Holm was tough, but Cyborg was light years ahead of her.
Watch the highlights on the Youtube player below:
UFC 219 Full Results List
Cris Cyborg vs. Holly Holm —- Cyborg def. Holm by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2)
Edson Barboza vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov — Nurmagomedov def. Barboza by unanimous decision (30-25 x2, 30-24)
Marc Diakiese vs. Dan Hooker — Hooker def. Diakiese by submission (guillotine choke) at 0:42 of Round Three
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Carla Esparza — Esparza def. Calvillo by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Carlos Condit vs. Neil Magny — Magny def. Condit by unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Khalil Rountree — Oleksiejczuk def. Rountree by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Rick Glenn vs. Myles Jury — Jury def. Glenn by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Omari Akhmedov vs. Marvin Vettori — Majority draw (28-28, 28-29, 28-28)
Matheus Nicolau vs. Louis Smolka — Nicolau def. Smolka by unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-25)
Mark Delarosa vs. Tim Elliott — Elliott def. Delarosa by submission (anaconda choke) at 1:41 of Round Two
