Challenges Faced by Holly Holm: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 17, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Holly Holm. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Holly Holm is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist, most notably known for her career in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She competed in the women's Bantamweight division, where she achieved the title of Women's Bantamweight Champion. Her background in boxing contributed to her striking prowess in mixed martial arts, making her a significant figure in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

December 2, 2011: Loss to Anne Sophie Mathis

On December 2, 2011, Holly Holm faced Anne Sophie Mathis for the vacant IBA female and WBAN welterweight titles, losing by knockout in the 7th round. The fight was dubbed the upset of the year in women's boxing.

April 4, 2014: Legacy FC Women's Bantamweight Championship

On April 4, 2014, Holly Holm faced Juliana Werner for the inaugural Legacy FC Women's Bantamweight Championship, winning the bout and title via TKO in the fifth round despite breaking her left arm during the first round.

March 5, 2016: Loss to Miesha Tate at UFC 196

On March 5, 2016, Holly Holm lost her title defense against Miesha Tate in the fifth round at UFC 196 via rear-naked choke, resulting in a technical submission.

July 23, 2016: Loss to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 20

On July 23, 2016, Holly Holm faced Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 20 and lost the bout via unanimous decision.

February 11, 2017: Loss to Germaine de Randamie at UFC 208

On February 11, 2017, Holly Holm faced Germaine de Randamie at UFC 208 for the inaugural UFC Women's Featherweight Championship and lost the fight via unanimous decision, amidst controversy over late punches.

December 30, 2017: Challenges Cris Cyborg for UFC Featherweight Championship

On December 30, 2017, Holly Holm challenged Cris Cyborg for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 219 and lost the fight via unanimous decision, though the fight earned her a Fight of the Night bonus.

July 6, 2019: Loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 239

On July 6, 2019, Holly Holm faced Amanda Nunes for the Women's bantamweight championship at UFC 239 and lost the fight via technical knockout in round one.

July 2019: Separation and Divorce Filing

In July 2019, Holly Holm and Jeff Kirkpatrick separated; Holm filed for a divorce and sought to get her maiden name back.

October 6, 2019: Scheduled Fight Against Raquel Pennington Cancelled

On October 6, 2019, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Raquel Pennington at UFC 243, but withdrew due to a hamstring injury, leading to the bout's cancellation.

May 8, 2021: Withdrawal from Fight Against Julianna Peña

On May 8, 2021, Holly Holm was forced to withdraw from her scheduled bout against Julianna Peña at UFC on ESPN 24, citing hydronephrosis.

October 16, 2021: Withdrawal from Fight Against Norma Dumont

On October 16, 2021, Holly Holm withdrew from her scheduled featherweight bout against Norma Dumont at UFC Fight Night 195 due to a knee injury.

May 21, 2022: Loss to Ketlen Vieira at UFC Fight Night 206

On May 21, 2022, Holly Holm faced Ketlen Vieira at UFC Fight Night 206 and lost the fight via controversial split decision.

July 15, 2023: Lost to Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC on ESPN 49

On July 15, 2023, Holly Holm faced Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC on ESPN 49, replacing an injured Miesha Tate. She lost the fight via ninja choke in the second round.

April 13, 2024: Lost to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300

On April 13, 2024, Holly Holm faced Kayla Harrison at UFC 300 and lost the fight due to a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

May 24, 2025: Scheduled Fight Canceled

On May 24, 2025, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Julia Budd in the inaugural Global Fight League event at GFL 1. However, all GFL events were canceled indefinitely.

August 30, 2025: Lost to Alejandra Rivera at RAF 01

On August 30, 2025, Holly Holm received an exemption and competed at RAF 01, where she lost by decision to Alejandra Rivera.

January 3, 2026: Challenges Stephanie Han for WBA Title

On January 3, 2026, Holly Holm challenged Stephanie Han for the WBA female lightweight title in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but lost by unanimous technical decision due to a cut caused by an accidental clash of heads.