Holly Holm Shares Future Plans for Her Fighting Career

Holly Holm, the former UFC champion, is nearing the conclusion of her fighting journey. Following a contentious split-decision defeat to Stephanie Han last weekend in a boxing match for Most Valuable Promotions, Holm opened up about her career timeline on "The Ariel Helwani Show."

"I don't know, but if I'm being really honest, I want big fights. I'm not saying that all of them are big fights for a title... Within the year and I'm done," Holm stated. She emphasized her desire to engage in high-profile bouts, whether in MMA or boxing, expressing that she aims to leave a mark before stepping away from the sport.

Holm indicated that she might only have one or two more fights left before she officially retires. Her last MMA appearance was at UFC 300, where she suffered a second-round submission loss to Kayla Harrison in April 2024. Recently, Holm's boxing record stands at 1-2, and she has also participated in wrestling events under the Real American Freestyle banner.

Having transitioned from a successful boxing career to MMA in 2011, Holm achieved fame with her stunning head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November 2015. Although her title reign was brief, that victory significantly elevated her status in the sport. Following Rousey's return to the ring, there were speculations about a rematch, but Rousey quickly dismissed the idea, stating she feels retired and would "clean [Holm’s] clock" if they were to face off again.

Holm expressed her openness to a rematch, acknowledging Rousey’s reluctance. "I don't think that she really wants to, and I'm not even mad at her for it," Holm remarked. "I want someone who wants it. It’s never been because I said no. I 100% always said [if] she wants a rematch. I'll give it to her."