Holly Holm’s career reads like a script from a Hollywood sports movie, doesn’t it? From dominating boxing to pulling off one of the most jaw-dropping upsets in MMA history, she’s made her mark as a true legend in the combat sports world. But what are the moments that truly define Holly’s journey?
The moments that made us all stop, look, and think, she’s something special? Let’s take a trip down memory lane together and relive the highlights that cemented her as one of the greatest.
1. Holly Holm shocks the world, hands Ronda Rousey her first loss
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Let’s be real, this has to be the moment, right? Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. 56000 strong in the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne! The shock, the disbelief. Ronda Rousey, the undefeated queen of MMA, was practically unbeatable until she met Holly. Imagine the scene, where Ronda, fresh off a string of fast wins, walks into the Octagon with her usual confidence, thinking it’s going to be another easy night. But Holly had other plans. With the calm of a seasoned boxer, Holly kept her distance and avoided Ronda’s powerful strikes. Slowly but surely, she took control.
And then the moment that still gives us chills, the head kick! Holly set it up perfectly, and when it landed, the arena went completely silent. Time seemed to freeze for a second. And the crowd exploded in disbelief. Ronda, the once-invincible champion, was knocked out cold. ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ had done the unthinkable. She became the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion in the most dramatic fashion possible.
But it wasn’t just about winning the belt. It was about taking down an icon in a way nobody expected. Holly didn’t just win, she made history. And it changed the sport forever. Can you think of another fight where everything came together so perfectly? That moment made us realize that anything could happen in the cage, and Holly showed us that underdogs can reign supreme.
2. Becoming a multi-division boxing champion
Now, let’s rewind a bit. Before Holly Holm was a UFC champion, she was already a world champion in boxing. If we’re talking about her greatest moments, we have to acknowledge her boxing career, because it was nothing short of incredible. 18 world title defenses across three different weight classes. Think about that for a second. How many fighters can claim that level of success in one sport, let alone two?
Holly wasn’t just a contender in boxing, she was a powerhouse. With a record of 33-2-3 and nine knockouts, she dominated the ring. And she didn’t just stop at one weight class, she conquered them all. Super lightweight, welterweight, super welterweight, she had them all. Can you imagine the sheer skill and discipline required to reach such heights? Do you think Holly’s boxing experience was the key reason she pulled off the upset against Ronda Rousey?
And then came the big leap: Holly left her established boxing career behind to dive into MMA in 2011. What do you think drove her to make that transition? Was it the challenge of conquering something new, or did she want to prove that she was more than just a boxer? Stepping into MMA after years of boxing success is a huge risk. But Holly wasn’t just trying to be good in MMA, she was aiming to be great.
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3. Becoming the inaugural Legacy FC women’s bantamweight champion
Before she took the UFC by storm, Holly Holm’s MMA journey started with the Legacy Fighting Championship. In 2013, she became the inaugural Women’s Bantamweight Champion after a thrilling five-round battle with Raquel Pennington. It wasn’t just a win, it was Holly’s statement to the world.
Legacy FC may not be as well-known as the UFC, but it was a crucial part of Holly’s rise. She wasn’t starting from scratch. She came into MMA with a ton of experience, and that experience carried her through her transition. By the time she made her UFC debut in 2014, she wasn’t just ‘the boxer’ anymore, she was an MMA fighter with a championship pedigree.
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When you think about it, Holly’s story isn’t just about titles, it’s about evolution with a record of 15-7. From world champion in boxing to champion in MMA, her path is a story of growth, risk, and reinvention. How do you think her boxing background gave her an edge in the MMA world? Would Holly have been as successful in the UFC without that solid foundation?
What do you think is next for Holly Holm who is currently #8 women’s bantamweight contender? Do you think she’s got more history to make, or has her time passed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Top 3 Moments of Holly Holm’s Career
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