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Holly Holm, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is embarking on a new chapter in her storied combat sports career. On Monday, her manager, Lenny Fresquez, confirmed that Holm requested her release from the UFC, a decision the promotion honored despite remaining fights on her contract. This marks Holm's first foray into free agency since joining the UFC a decade ago.
Yahoo Sports initially broke the news of Holm’s departure, which follows her last UFC appearance at UFC 300. In that bout, Holm suffered a second-round submission loss to Kayla Harrison, leaving her record at 3-3 with one no-contest over her past seven fights. The defeat significantly impacted her prospects of returning to title contention.
Holm, now 43, rose to prominence with a career-defining head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015, a victory that earned her the UFC bantamweight title in just her third promotional fight. Despite the stunning victory, Holm’s reign was short-lived, as she lost the title to Miesha Tate at UFC 196.
Throughout her UFC tenure, Holm remained a perennial contender. She challenged for the bantamweight title again in 2019 but was defeated by Amanda Nunes. Additionally, Holm competed for the now-defunct women’s featherweight title on two occasions, falling to Cris Cyborg and Germaine de Randamie in closely contested bouts.
While she never recaptured championship gold, Holm consistently proved her worth against elite competition. Notable victories over Raquel Pennington, Irene Aldana, and Bethe Correia solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor. Outside the Octagon, Holm’s legacy as a combat sports icon is further bolstered by her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
With her departure from the UFC, Holm can now explore opportunities with other promotions. Her extensive experience and name recognition make her a valuable addition to any organization as she considers the next steps in her fighting career.