Following a 12-year career in the UFC, Holly Holm is preparing to step back into the boxing ring.
Holm, a former world champion in both mixed martial arts (UFC) and boxing, became a highly sought-after free agent after her release from the UFC in January.
Holly Holm gained widespread recognition in combat sports over the past ten years. She famously stunned the UFC community in 2015 by knocking out the previously undefeated Ronda Rousey with a spectacular head kick at UFC 193, ending Rousey`s dominant championship run.
Following a brief period without fights since leaving the UFC, Holm has now aligned herself with one of boxing`s major personalities, Jake Paul.
Holm Signs with Most Valuable Promotions, Scheduled for Paul`s Undercard
Most Valuable Promotions, led by Paul, announced on Wednesday that they had signed Holm, adding her to a roster that includes fighters like Amanda Serrano.
The 43-year-old Holm is set for her initial boxing match since leaving the UFC, facing undefeated boxer Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight contest.
The fight between Holm and Vega is scheduled for the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. event on June 28th in Anaheim, California.
This upcoming bout will mark Holm`s first professional boxing appearance since May 2013, when she secured a unanimous decision victory over Mary McGee.
Holly Holm: A Look at Her Legacy in Combat Sports
She concluded her boxing career with a remarkable record of 33-2-3 (9 KOs), boasting 18 title defenses and championships in three weight divisions.
While primarily known for her UFC success, Holm was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022, recognizing her achievements in the sport.
There is potential for Holm, known as ‘The Preacher’s Daughter,’ to eventually join her notable adversary Ronda Rousey in the UFC Hall of Fame, having consistently competed against top bantamweights for nearly ten years.
She also challenged legendary fighter Cris Cyborg for the featherweight title when others were reluctant, becoming the first woman to complete five rounds against the formidable `Grand Slam` champion.
Holm holds two victories over former champion Raquel Pennington and has faced other elite competitors and world champions, including WMMA `GOAT` Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, Germaine de Randamie, and Kayla Harrison.
