After a remarkable 12-year tenure competing in the UFC, former dual-sport world champion Holly Holm is preparing for her return to the professional boxing ring.
A former world champion in both mixed martial arts and boxing, Holm became a significant free agent following her release from the UFC in January.
Holly Holm has been a widely recognized name in combat sports over the last decade. In 2015, Holm famously shocked the UFC world at UFC 193 by delivering a spectacular head kick knockout to defeat the previously undefeated Ronda Rousey, thereby ending Rousey`s dominant championship reign.
Following a brief period away from competition after her UFC departure, Holm has now aligned herself with one of boxing`s prominent figures: Jake Paul.
Holly Holm Signs with Most Valuable Promotions, Booked for Undercard Bout
On Wednesday, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the promotional company co-founded by Jake Paul, announced they had officially signed Holm. She joins their roster, which includes fighters like Amanda Serrano.
Holm, now 43 years old, has scheduled her first fight since leaving the UFC. She is set to face undefeated boxer Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight contest.
The Holm vs. Vega bout is scheduled to take place on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. event on June 28 in Anaheim, California.
This upcoming fight will be Holm’s first professional boxing match since May 2013, when she secured a unanimous decision victory over Mary McGee.
Recognizing Holly Holm`s Legacy in Combat Sports
Holly Holm concluded her initial boxing career with an impressive record of 33-2-3 (9 KO`s) and successfully defended her titles 18 times. She held world championships across three different weight classes.
During her time competing in the UFC, Holm`s significant accomplishments in boxing were recognized with her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022.
Given her consistent willingness to challenge the top bantamweights in the world for nearly a decade, `The Preacher’s Daughter` is considered a strong candidate for future induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, potentially joining her historic rival, Ronda Rousey.
Demonstrating her fearless approach, Holm also stepped up to fight the legendary Cris Cyborg for the featherweight title at a time when few others were willing, becoming the first woman to push the `Grand Slam` champion the full five rounds.
Her notable fight history includes two victories over former champion Raquel Pennington, and challenging bouts against elite fighters such as WMMA `GOAT` Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, Germaine de Randamie, and Kayla Harrison – a list comprised entirely of world champions.
Rupert Hartwell