Holly Holm explains decision to return to boxing after UFC departure with insights on her career transition

Holly Holm, a former UFC champion and skilled boxer, has made headlines by choosing to return to boxing after leaving the UFC. Holm explained that she missed the excitement of boxing and wanted new challenges outside of MMA. Her decision comes after expressing that she asked for her release from the UFC because she felt drawn back to her roots in boxing.

Holm has already signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, showing her commitment to a serious run in the sport. Her journey and motivations are stirring interest among fans who want to see if she can repeat her earlier success in a boxing ring. Readers will get an inside look at why one of MMA’s top names has decided to make this move back to boxing after her UFC career ended, as shared in recent interviews and statements from Holm herself. For more details on Holm's decision and future plans, check out her own explanation on BJPenn.com.

Holly Holm’s UFC Legacy and Influence

Holly Holm became one of the most recognized athletes in MMA by making history inside the Octagon. Her talents and achievements brought significant attention to women’s mixed martial arts and cemented her reputation as a dominant fighter.

Notable UFC Achievements

Holly Holm reached the top of the sport soon after joining the UFC. She captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 193.

Holm defeated Ronda Rousey with a head-kick knockout, which is still remembered as one of the greatest upsets in MMA history. This win ended Rousey’s undefeated streak and shocked the fighting world.

Holm has fought for the title multiple times across her UFC career, showing consistent performance at the elite level. She was also known for her striking skills, which came from her boxing background in Albuquerque. Her technical approach and discipline stood out, making her a respected competitor in the division.

Landmark Fights and Opponents

One of Holm’s most important bouts was her title fight against Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. Her victory not only gave her the belt but also changed the course of the division.

She later faced Miesha Tate in a closely contested title bout. In that matchup, Holm lost her belt to Tate by submission in the fifth round, highlighting the competitive nature of the women’s bantamweight division.

Holm has also competed against other top names like Germaine de Randamie, Cris Cyborg, and Valentina Shevchenko. Each fight tested her skills against some of the best strikers and grapplers in the sport.

Impact on Women’s MMA

Holly Holm played a big role in raising the profile of women’s MMA. Her victory over Rousey drew major attention to the sport and showed that upsets can happen at the highest level.

Holm’s transition from boxing to MMA and her ability to win titles in both sports showcased what cross-training could achieve for female fighters. She helped inspire more women to join the UFC and pursue combat sports professionally.

Her influence also went beyond the cage. Holm’s professionalism, humility, and work ethic have been praised and serve as a model for young athletes, especially in places like Albuquerque where she began her striking career.

Decision to Return to Boxing: Motivations and Preparation

Holly Holm’s move back to boxing comes after years in mixed martial arts, including a UFC championship run. Her journey is shaped by personal goals, trusted trainers, and the differences between fighting styles.

Factors Behind the Transition

Holm left the UFC after asking for her release, wanting a new chapter in her career. She expressed a deep passion for boxing that never faded, even when she was focused on MMA.

Her decision was shaped by her desire to challenge herself and finish her athletic career on her terms. Holm spoke about wanting to return to the sport where she first became a world champion and where her professional fighting journey began. Her manager, Lenny Fresquez, confirmed she is now focused on pursuing new opportunities in boxing. Read more about her motivations at BJPenn.com.

Holm’s choice is not only about revisiting her roots but also about seeking the thrill and mental test that high-level boxing provides.

Training with Mike Winkeljohn

Holly Holm has long trained under coach Mike Winkeljohn in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Winkeljohn, known for his expertise in striking, has helped guide Holm’s transition from professional boxing to MMA and now back again.

Their training sessions focus on sharp footwork, clean punches, and defensive movement. Holm trusts Winkeljohn because he understands both disciplines and tailors her workouts to suit her goals. They review old tape of her boxing matches to reinforce strengths and improve on weaknesses.

Preparation with Winkeljohn also includes intense sparring with boxers of different styles. This allows Holm to adapt quickly in the gym, giving her the confidence to step back into the ring.

Comparing MMA Striking to Boxing

Striking in MMA and boxing have clear differences. In MMA, fighters use punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. The stance is balanced for both attack and defense against takedowns.

Boxing is more specialized. It relies only on punches and footwork. Holm explained that boxing requires more sustained combinations and sharper head movement. Boxers train for longer rounds focused solely on hand speed and reaction time.

Holm enjoys the challenge of switching back to boxing because it allows her to focus on precision. She finds the rhythm and strategy unique, requiring a different mindset than what she faced in MMA. For more on her thoughts about the differences, see her interview at MMA News.

Anticipated Boxing Comeback and Key Matchups

Holly Holm’s return to boxing after her departure from the UFC has drawn major attention. Fans are eager to see how her skills will match up with big-name opponents and what this could mean for her career.

Potential Opponents: Christy Martin & Mia St. John

A possible fight with Christy Martin is creating a buzz, since Martin is a respected name in women’s boxing and a former world champion. Both Holm and Martin have a strong history in the sport, and a bout between them could draw plenty of interest from boxing fans.

Mia St. John is another likely opponent. St. John, like Holm, is a former world champion and has fought some of the best in the sport. A match between Holm and St. John could serve as either a title bout or a high-profile event that brings together two accomplished fighters from different boxing eras. These lineups show real potential for thrilling, competitive fights.

Setting the Stage for High-Profile Bouts

Holm has signed with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, giving her access to bigger events and wider audiences. This move positions her to headline major cards, possibly against popular or highly ranked opponents.

The possibility of a rematch with fighters she faced earlier in her career or a chance to fight for a title again is real. Holm’s name in both MMA and boxing raises the stakes for every matchup. Excitement is especially high for any announced title bout or big rematch, as these would highlight Holm’s legacy and attract new fans to women’s boxing. For more details, see Holm’s anticipated boxing return.

Media Coverage, Privacy, and Fan Engagement

Media outlets closely follow Holly Holm’s return to boxing, examining both her career decisions and the surrounding fan interest. At the same time, websites that report on her journey collect and process data from readers to personalize the experience and maintain platform security.

Coverage by AOL and Yahoo

AOL and Yahoo frequently cover major stories in combat sports, including Holly Holm’s return to professional boxing. These platforms often provide in-depth articles, interviews, and highlight reels focused on athlete transitions and comebacks. Fans can find exclusive quotes and insights through both their websites and mobile apps. Fans who want quick updates or detailed stories often check

these types of media outlets for news and opinions.

\Coverage may include live interviews, opinion columns, and partnerships with other sports media. These services help promote discussions around Holm’s choices, often featuring comments from industry experts and social media reactions. News agencies like AOL and Yahoo use multimedia content, including videos and image galleries, to increase viewer engagement with sports stories.

Managing Privacy and User Data

Websites like AOL and Yahoo use cookies for several reasons: improving website function, keeping accounts secure, and personalizing advertisements. When users visit these sites, they often see options to “Accept All,” “Reject All,” or manage privacy settings. These choices affect how much personal data—such as geolocation, IP address, and search data—is collected.

Strict cookie policies are in place to inform users about data use and provide ways to access privacy dashboards. Security measures use this data to authenticate users, prevent spam, and protect against fraud. Users can decide what information partners may access and control how their personal data is processed at any time by changing privacy settings.

Personalization and Audience Insights

AOL and Yahoo collect data to customize news feeds and suggest relevant content. This data—such as search history, content interaction, and geolocation—enables more targeted advertising and tailored recommendations. For instance, someone following Holly Holm’s story may see more articles or videos about related athletes or upcoming matches.

Analytics and audience research help these platforms understand what content attracts readers. Content measurement allows them to test which headlines or videos get the most attention. These insights guide future services development and media strategy, resulting in a more relevant experience for each user. Personalization also increases fan engagement by making sure fans see stories and updates that match their interests.