Former bantamweight champion Holly Holm is considering her future in UFC after a loss to Kayla Harrison, with UFC CEO Dana White suggesting she should retire.
Holly Holm is at a crossroads. Her future in MMA is uncertain.
She recently suffered a crushing defeat at UFC 300. Her opponent? Two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, Kayla Harrison. The fight ended in the second round, with Harrison choking out Holm.
This loss isn’t a standalone event. It’s the latest in a series of disappointments for the former bantamweight champion. Her record in the last four fights? A dismal 1-2, with a no contest thrown in. Both losses were by submission.
Holm didn’t shy away from addressing her defeat. She took to social media. Her statement? Candid and self-reflective.
“Didn’t go as planned,” she admitted. “No excuses. I had the best coaching, teammates, sparring. All the support I could dream of. But I lost focus. Didn’t stick to the game plan. Didn’t do what we trained for. Kayla was the better fighter tonight.”
The fight started with Holm inviting a grappling exchange with Harrison. Not the best idea, considering Harrison’s PFL champion status. Holm scored an early reversal, but soon found herself under Harrison. She was on the receiving end of punches and elbows for almost five minutes straight.
Round two? More of the same. Harrison took Holm down again. This time, she advanced and latched on a rear-naked choke. Fight over.
Holm is 42. She’s taking time to process this loss. What’s next for her career is unclear.
“I know I’m capable of more,” she said. “I like to self-reflect. Honesty with yourself can be hard. But I’m healthy. My heart hurts. My ego hurts. But thank you to the fans, my team, coaches, family, friends. I appreciate you. I’ll be back.”
UFC CEO Dana White had words of praise for Harrison. He called her debut performance impressive. He also spoke about Holm. He called her a legend, but suggested her best days are behind her.
“I would love to see Holly retire,” White said.
Holm didn’t respond to White’s suggestion. She’s still dealing with her loss. But whether she continues fighting or not, her legacy is secure. She remains one of the top women’s bantamweights of all time. Her knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015? Unforgettable.