American · Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA · Born 17 October 1981Former world champion boxer turned UFC bantamweight titleholder, still an active elite contender in her mid-40s.
Before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Holly Holm built an accomplished career as a professional boxer, becoming a multiple-division world champion. She brought that elite striking pedigree into MMA, compiling a 9-0 record before challenging Ronda Rousey, the dominant and unbeaten UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, at UFC 193 in November 2015. In one of the most stunning upsets in UFC history, Holm outboxed Rousey for over a round before landing a head kick and follow-up punches that knocked the champion out in the second round, ending Rousey's undefeated run and claiming the Bantamweight Championship in front of a record crowd in Melbourne, Australia. Holm's title reign lasted one defense: she lost the belt to Miesha Tate via fifth-round submission at UFC 196 in March 2016. She remained a leading contender in the division for years afterward, competing for both the bantamweight and featherweight titles against Germaine de Randamie and other top opponents. Holm's win over Rousey remains one of the most replayed moments in UFC history, credited with reshaping perceptions of striking technique in women's MMA and demonstrating that Rousey's aura of invincibility could be broken by superior boxing fundamentals.
Knocking out Ronda Rousey via head kick at UFC 193 (Nov 2015) to win the UFC Women's Bantamweight title
How They Played
Elite boxing-based striker with a powerful, technically precise kicking game
Lasting Impact
One of the most significant upset victories in UFC history and a pioneer of elite striking in women's MMA
Career Honours
- UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship 2015, one reign, 0 successful defenses
- multiple pre-MMA boxing world titles
American Athletes