By: Sean Crose
So, it’s weird how memory works. Holly Holm, right? The name probably rings a bell — and not the kind you want waking you up in the morning. I mean, she’s kind of like the David in a UFC world stacked with Goliaths, especially when she knocked the sass out of Ronda Rousey nearly a decade ago. Ah, Rousey, the queen bee of the octagon back then — seems like her aura’s mostly a distant echo today. But remember? In that moment, it was like she could tear through steel if she wanted. All flash and fury — made it onto the cover of Ring Magazine (crazy, because she wasn’t even a boxer).
Anyway, there’s Holm too, and maybe it’s just me, but her story sticks like a catchy tune at the back of my mind. A champ in the boxing realm, holding titles in three weight classes — yet somehow always had this underdog vibe. Women’s boxing wasn’t exactly drawing crowds back in her day, you know? Meanwhile, Rousey was set to deliver some “next great thing” moment on Holm in Australia. Just that someone forgot to send Holm the script.
And you know what? She wrecked Rousey. I mean, like, boom, game over. Sort of unreal how the fight wasn’t even close. But, plot twist! Holm never got the Hollywood spotlight treatment Rousey did. Still, she roamed on in the UFC, a big draw and no slouch in a fighting stance.
Fast forward to now — imagine Holm at 43, gearing up for another chapter and strapping on boxing gloves again. She’s signed on with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. (Yep, that’s a thing now — still wrapping my head around it.) She’s taking on Yolanda Vega, a 10-1 fighter, in Anaheim. June 28th. Mark the date if you’re into it.
And Holm isn’t coming back like a washed-up legend grasping at nostalgia. Nah, she’s legit thrilled about this chance to step back into the ring. Talked about it like, “This is the ride I want,” and she’s aiming for another title, folks. Got impressive stats, 33-2-3, which makes you think twice about underestimating her.
Dozen years since her last dance in the boxing ring. Time flies, right? It’s like one moment she’s flooring giants, next she’s setting another punchline in the fighting chapter.
Might be fun to watch what happens next.
