Holm admits awkward position against Cyborg: 'Once again'

H. Holm: zebra again (Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)

Former Ultimate bantamweight champion, Holly holm won his title in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport, when he dethroned the then undefeated Ronda Rousey in November 2015. Just over two years later, the North American again finds herself underrated, this time against the Brazilian Chris Cyborg, and admits that he likes the position of having nothing to lose.

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In an interview with journalists via conference call, the former champion spoke about the similarities between the duel with Ronda and the fight with Cyborg, which will be the main attraction of UFC 219 on December 30th.

“I think there are similarities, there is the same feeling. People have a little doubt. I think I've already won as an underdog more than once, first in boxing, and then obviously against Ronda Rousey. I think people already understand that I am capable of producing this type of emotion. I think there is a lot of curiosity around this fight. I don't necessarily think people think I can't beat Cyborg, but they wonder if I'm going to beat the favorite this time.”

Holm will make his second fight at featherweight, after losing a controversial duel to Germaine DeRandamie, at UFC 208, in a fight that won the first title in the Ultimate category. After Cyborg qualified to face the Dutchwoman, GDR gave up the belt and the Brazilian won it by knocking out Tonya Evinger at UFC 214. Shortly before, Holm had won Bethe Correia No. UFC Singapore.