A former boxing and UFC champion is set to make her grand return to the ring. Holly Holm, known for her achievements across two combat sports, has joined Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). This marks her comeback to professional boxing after a 12-year hiatus. On June 28, she will face undefeated contender Yolanda Vega in a lightweight bout at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The event serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated clash between Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr., streamed on DAZN PPV. At 43, Holm aims to extend her legacy by capturing another title, this time at 135 pounds.
Renowned as "The Preacher's Daughter," Holly Holm hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and boasts an impressive boxing career that earned her induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2022. Her accolades include championships in three divisions—140, 147, and 154 pounds. Now, with her sights set on becoming a four-division champion, Holm anticipates challenging top contenders like Katie Taylor or Amanda Serrano, depending on their upcoming match results.
This remarkable journey began when Holm transitioned from boxing to mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2013. During her MMA tenure, she achieved legendary status by defeating Ronda Rousey for the UFC bantamweight title in 2015. However, subsequent challenges in the UFC proved difficult, culminating in a loss against Kayla Harrison in April 2024. Despite these setbacks, Holm remains determined to reclaim her place among the elite in boxing.
In preparation for her world-title aspirations, Holm plans to engage in one or possibly two preparatory bouts before pursuing championship glory. Her commitment to excellence continues as she joins MVP, aligning herself with other distinguished female fighters such as Alycia Baumgardner, Shadasia Green, and Savannah Marshall under the leadership of Nakisa Bidarian.
Holm's return signifies not only a personal milestone but also highlights her enduring passion for combat sports. With renewed vigor and strategic planning, she intends to leave a lasting impact on the sport once more. Fans eagerly await her performance in what promises to be an exhilarating return to the ring, showcasing the skills that have made her a household name in both boxing and MMA circles.