Holly Holm Signs New 6-Fight UFC Deal

Holly Holm Signs New 6-Fight UFC Deal

By James Heaney 

A former two-division title challenger, alcohol promoter and former UFC champion of Irish descent has recently signed a new 6-fight deal with the UFC.

Holly Holm joining the UFC was big news for those fans who knew of her impressive boxing career. But for those who didn’t, her debut decision win against Raquel Pennington was underwhelming and Ronda Rousey, considered by many as unbeatable at the time, submitted Cat Zingano in 14 seconds in the main event that very same evening.

Fast forward 8-months, when Holly walked out to the Celtic song “Landlords Daughter” in front of a record UFC crowd at 193, she was 10-0 in her MMA career but a +525 underdog. Some takedown defences, brilliant countering from the overly aggressive champion and one famous head kick later, the landscape of women’s MMA changed completely.

Holm has gone 2-4 since that fight, but that record doesn’t tell the full story and masks the credit she deserves. Three of those fights were title fights, of the four losses three went to a decision ( the De Randamie in particular was very controversial) and she was beating Miesha Tate until being submitted with 90 seconds to go. Holm closed as a +125 underdog against Cyborg, tighter odds than current champion, Nunes who entered at +132, the numbers recognising the danger she poses.

Holm has a skill set which can challenge all comers across two divisions. Her UFC resume is impressive, and she’s at one of the best camps in the sport, surrounded by people who will continue to improve her. She has one of the most impressive and substantial records not just in MMA, but in combat sports generally and this new deal should be considered as big news, particularly given there were only 2 fights remaining on her existing deal.

So what’s next? It was going to be Aspen Ladd at 235, but there were rumours of Nunes at 237 but at the time of writing, no fight is in the works.

In the meantime, expect Holm to get better, Albuquerque is the perfect place to be improving at Jackson Wink and being a role model for fellow fighters such as Michelle Waterson who speaks so highly of her.

Outside of fighting? She’s also close to her brothers alcohol brand, Blue Clover!