Challenges Faced by Holly Holm: Obstacles and Turning Points

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

Holly Holm is an American professional boxer and former mixed martial artist. She gained prominence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she became the Women's Bantamweight Champion. Her background in boxing significantly contributed to her success in MMA.

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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. It was dubbed the upset of the year in women's boxing.

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

On April 4, 2014, Holly Holm faced Juliana Werner for the inaugural Legacy FC Women's Bantamweight Championship, winning the title via TKO in the fifth round. She broke 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 first title defense to Miesha Tate in the fifth round at UFC 196 via technical submission due to a rear-naked choke. Holm was rendered unconscious.

July 23, 2016: Loss to Valentina Shevchenko

On July 23, 2016, Holly Holm faced Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 20, losing 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 via unanimous decision. De Randamie threw punches after the horn sounded at the end of the second and third rounds, leading to controversy. Holm's appeal was denied by NYSAC.

December 30, 2017: Loss to Cris Cyborg at UFC 219

On December 30, 2017, Holly Holm challenged Cris Cyborg for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 219, losing via unanimous decision but earning a Fight of the Night bonus.

January 31, 2019: Fight against Aspen Ladd Cancelled

On January 31, 2019, it was reported that Holly Holm's scheduled bantamweight bout against Aspen Ladd on March 2, 2019, at UFC 235 was no longer taking place.

March 2, 2019: Fight against Aspen Ladd Cancelled

On March 2, 2019, Holly Holm's scheduled bantamweight bout against Aspen Ladd at UFC 235 did not take place as announced on January 31, 2019.

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 via technical knockout in round one.

July 2019: Separation and Divorce Filing

In July 2019, Holly Holm and Jeff Kirkpatrick separated, and Holm filed for divorce, seeking to revert to her maiden name.

October 6, 2019: Withdrawal from Raquel Pennington Fight

On October 6, 2019, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Raquel Pennington at UFC 243 but withdrew due to a hamstring injury.

August 1, 2020: Irene Aldana Withdraws From Fight

On August 1, 2020, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Irene Aldana at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan, but Aldana withdrew after testing positive for COVID-19.

May 8, 2021: Withdrawal from Julianna Peña Fight

On May 8, 2021, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Julianna Peña at UFC on ESPN 24 but was forced to withdraw from the bout due to hydronephrosis.

October 16, 2021: Withdrawal from Norma Dumont Fight

On October 16, 2021, Holly Holm was scheduled to face Norma Dumont at UFC Fight Night 195 but withdrew from the bout 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, losing the fight via controversial split decision.

July 15, 2023: UFC on ESPN 49

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