Holly Holm, who at one time was one the best female boxers in the world, gave Cris "Cyborg" Justino the longest fight of her MMA career. She just didn't have enough to knock off yet another MMA star.

Cyborg used power strikes and kicks to beat Holm by unanimous decision and defend her featherweight belt at UFC 219 on Saturday night.

Judges scored it 49-46, 48-47 and 48-47, extending Cyborg's unbeaten streak to 19 with a victory over a former UFC bantamweight champion with a knack for big upsets. It was the first time that Cyborg was taken five rounds in her career.

This was Cyborg's first defense of the featherweight belt since earning it by beating Tonya Evinger at UFC 214.

Holm's face was beat up by the end, although neither fighter appeared seriously injured. Holm (11-4 in MMA) was trying for another marquee victory in a career highlighted by her upset of Ronda Rousey in 2015.

Prior to the fight, Cyborg made it well known that she was very interested in taking part in a boxing match.

She has already spoken to UFC President Dana White regarding the subject of being allowed to box - with a real desire to follow in the footsteps of UFC superstar Conor McGregor, who made his pro boxing debut in August against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Cyborg has an interest in fighting unified welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus - who was sitting ringside on Saturday night to watch the fight against Holm.  

After her win over Holm, the hard-punching Cyborg made it clear that she was fully ready to make her boxing debut if the UFC was unable to get her a proper opponent for her next defense of the UFC title.

"I'm ready for anyone they put in front of me," Cyborg said.

"I would like to fight Megan Anderson next and I would like to do it in Australia. I’ve got a lot of fans there. If (Amanda Nunes) wants to fight me, I’ll fight anybody Dana White puts in front of me. If Megan Anderson isn’t ready, I think the UFC will find someone for me to fight at 145.

“I will keep training and be ready for my next opponent. Maybe from boxing or some other organization.”