Holly Holm’s UFC Exit Signals a New Chapter for the MMA Icon

Holly Holm, a trailblazer in women’s combat sports, is officially entering a new chapter in her illustrious career. After a decade with the UFC, Holm has been granted her release at her own request, marking her transition into free agency. The decision was confirmed by her longtime manager, Lenny Fresquez.

Holm, a former bantamweight champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, has consistently been a marquee name in women’s MMA. Her UFC journey began with an electrifying head-kick knockout against Ronda Rousey in 2015, capturing the bantamweight title in only her third fight with the promotion. Despite her meteoric rise, Holm faced setbacks in her pursuit of reclaiming gold, falling to Miesha Tate, Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, and Germaine de Randamie in subsequent title challenges.

At 43, Holm’s most recent outing was a submission loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300. While the defeat impacted her title trajectory, it hasn’t diminished her legacy. Holm exits the UFC with a resume that includes victories over top-tier opponents like Raquel Pennington, Irene Aldana, and Bethe Correia. These wins solidified her status as a perennial contender and fan favorite.

Holm’s decision to step away from the UFC roster opens up intriguing possibilities. Whether she signs with another top promotion or explores ventures outside MMA, her departure signals the end of an era for the UFC’s women’s division. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what lies ahead for the athlete who redefined women’s MMA.

As Holm embarks on this new journey, her impact on the UFC and the sport as a whole remains undeniable. Her trailblazing achievements and unforgettable moments have left an indelible mark on combat sports history.