Is Holly Holm still boxing?
Ava Arnold
Updated on January 01, 2026
Is Holly Holm still boxing? – Holly Holm, born on October 17, 1981, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has established herself as a remarkable figure in both professional boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).
With an impressive career spanning multiple weight classes, Holm’s accomplishments in combat sports have solidified her status as a true champion.
Before stepping into the world of MMA, Holly Holm gained prominence as a professional boxer, earning multiple world titles in three weight classes. She defended her titles a remarkable 18 times, showcasing her skill, resilience, and dominance in the boxing ring.
Holm’s boxing prowess earned her recognition as the best female professional boxer of all time according to BoxRec, a notable boxing record-keeping organization.
In 2015, Holm made headlines when she faced off against the previously undefeated Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. Considered a heavy underdog, Holm delivered a stunning upset by knocking out Rousey and claiming the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. This victory not only showcased Holm’s exceptional striking ability but also solidified her place in combat-sports history. The fight is widely regarded as one of the most significant upsets in combat sports.
Holm’s fighting style is characterized by her strategic movement, evasive footwork, and precise strikes. She employs stiff jabs, lateral movement, and counter-strikes, often waiting for the perfect moment to unleash her powerful left hand. Holm is known for her punching combinations, particularly when her opponents are against the cage, where she can capitalize on her opponents’ vulnerabilities.
Her kicking techniques are also formidable, with a variety of kicks in her arsenal. She often utilizes a fast side kick to target the body, a low oblique kick to keep opponents at bay, and a devastating left high kick aimed at the head. These techniques have contributed to her success and make her a well-rounded and dangerous fighter.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Holm has made appearances in popular culture. She was featured in artist Delilah Montoya’s photography series, Women Boxers: The New Warriors, showcasing her as one of the prominent boxers of her time. Additionally, Holm ventured into the world of acting and appeared in the 2016 feature film Fight Valley, alongside notable fighters Miesha Tate and Cris Cyborg.
Holly Holm’s impact on combat sports extends beyond her accolades and victories. She has become an inspiration to aspiring athletes, particularly women, showcasing the heights that can be achieved through dedication, skill, and determination. Her remarkable journey from the world of boxing to conquering the MMA scene has solidified her legacy as a true pioneer and champion in the realm of combat sports.
Is Holly Holm still boxing?
Our checks revealed that Holly Holm was still boxing and this comes after she announced an earlier retirement in 2013.
Holly Holm, a former bantamweight champion, returned to the bantamweight division after losing the featherweight title bout. She secured a knockout victory against Bethe Correia at UFC Fight Night in Singapore, earning her a Performance of the Night bonus. This win set up a fight against UFC Women’s Featherweight Champion Cris Cyborg at UFC 219, where Holm lost by unanimous decision, but earned the Fight of the Night bonus.
Holm continued her career with victories over Megan Anderson and Raquel Pennington. However, she faced setbacks when her scheduled fights against Aspen Ladd, Irene Aldana, Julianna Peña, and Norma Dumont were canceled or she had to withdraw due to injuries and health issues.
In May 2022, Holm faced Ketlen Vieira in a controversial split decision loss, with the majority of media outlets scoring it in favor of Holm. She recently defeated Yana Santos via unanimous decision in March 2023.
Now, Holm faced Mayra Bueno Silva as a replacement for the injured Miesha Tate at UFC on ESPN 49 on July 15, 2023, a match which she lost. Despite various challenges and setbacks, Holm remains an active and determined competitor in the UFC, having signed a new six-fight contract with the organization in late 2022.