The UFC and Holly Holm returns to San Antonio this weekend for the first since 2019. Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is heading the card, looking to stake his claim as next in line for a title shot. Coming up against; Cory ‘The Sandman’ Sandhagen. Who himself is looking to get back on track after losing three out of his last six.
Also, on the aforementioned card, one of the fighters making the walk at the AT&T Center is the esteemed history-making bantamweight Holly Holm, whose story is a fascinating one. Especially considering all that she has achieved.
Holly Holm: Boxing Career Summary
Flashback to 25th January 2002, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPod just a few months before. The first Lord Of The Rings movie came out just over a month ago. But amidst all that, over in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a 20-year-old Holm makes her Professional Debut – winning by TKO in the 3rd round of the 4-round fight. This was just the start for The Preacher’s Daughter – Holm, who would fight a further eight times over the next two-and-a-half years, winning six, drawing the other two. It was at this stage she started to make a name for herself.
In June 2004, Holm was left heartbroken. Succumbing to a first professional loss at the hands of Italian born-Las Vegas native; Rita Turrisi. Losing the fight via 4th Round TKO.
This disappointment sparked a fire within Holm. Who then proceeded to go on a 24 -fight-unbeaten run (23 wins, 1 draw). Across seven years. Capturing a total of six world-titles across three divisions. Boxing Magazine; ‘The Ring’ also named Holm their fighter of the year twice.
Amateur Kickboxing and MMA Career
Holm has trained in the individual Martial-Art discipline of Kickboxing since she was 16. It was through their lessons she met long-term trainer Mike Winklejohn – who immediately recognized her talents. It was only four years later, in September 2001, just a few months before her professional boxing debut, she won the USA national amateur championship, winning both of her fights on the night – the first by TKO, the second by unanimous decision. These fights would be her last amateur kickboxing bouts before her antecedent boxing career. It was nearly ten years later she made her venture into the world of Mixed-Martial-Arts. Signing up for Fresquez Promotion, where she emphatically made her debut. Finishing her opponent in the second round after a venomous low kick, giving Holm the TKO victory.
Holly Holm Signed to the UFC
For the following few years, Holm bounced around various promotions; most notably picking up a win in Bellator over Katie Merrill before t was formally announced on 10th July 2014 that she had signed with the UFC. Not long afterward was placed into a matchup with Raquel Pennington, which was originally scheduled for UFC 181. For unknown reasons, though, the fight fell through but was rescheduled for February the following year, serving as the co-main event for UFC 184 – Holm would beat Pennington in a razor-close split decision.
Holm went on to fight Marion Reneau later in the same year. Marion had looked the part in her early UFC career, Jessica Andrade, in a win that looks even better as the years go by. Holm comfortably beat Reneau after 3-round domination, and at this point, all roads led to Ronda Rousey- The fight was officially announced on August 21st. Throughout the first round, Holm repeatedly tagged Rousey with big shots, for which Rousey had no defense – and just 50 seconds into the second round; It was happening again. Holm landed. Down went Ronda. In came Herb Dean to stop the fight.
Conclusion
Despite three consecutive losses straight after the fight, four championship losses, and inconsistent form up until this point, I think it’s safe to say no matter what happens on Saturday- few, if anyone, will ever match the legacy that Holm has built. What she has conquered, what she achieved, will be talked about by the new generation of MMA fans forevermore.
You can catch Holly Holm’s next fight against Yana Santos, on Saturday 25th March. At roughly 11:30 PM exclusively on BT Sport.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
