Holly Holm was born on October 17th, 1981, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a youth, she was highly active, participating in multiple sports, including swimming, gymnastics, and soccer. Interestingly, she didn't start any form of combat sports until she fell into kickboxing by total chance.

She went on to become a champion in multiple disciplines. After winning the UFC bantamweight title against Ronda Rousey, she immediately became one of the biggest names in MMA. Holm's skill set and personality have made her popular among UFC fans throughout a legendary career.

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10 Holm's Father Is A Preacher

His Profession Created Her Nickname

Holly Holm's upbringing was deeply influenced by her father's faith. She and her two siblings were brought up with the teachings of the Church of Christ. Holm has always had strong relationships with her family and still does to this day, often sharing photos of them on social media.

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9 She Was Married For 7 Years

Holm Met Her Husband At College

Holm married Jeff Kirkpatrick in 2012 when she was just 2-0 in MMA. The pair were together for seven years before eventually divorcing in 2019. Holm doesn't tend to reveal much about her relationships to the public.

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8 Holly Holm Started Fighting By Chance

She Met Mike Winkeljohn At An Aerobics Class

After observing her instinctual qualities, coach Winkeljohn encouraged Holly to take up real kickboxing. With no prior experience, she decided to give it a shot. Within a few years, she would be competing for and winning championships.

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7 Holly Became An Amateur Kickboxing Champion

She Took To The Sport Very Quickly

In the first bout, Holm TKO'd her opponent in just 23 seconds. She earned a unanimous decision victory in the semi-finals. In the final, she dominated her opponent, Chrisanne Roseliep to win another unanimous decision. This marked her last fight as an amateur as she transitioned to the professional ranks shortly after.

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6 As A Boxer, Holm Won Fighter Of The Year

She Was A Multi-Division Champion

Holly won the inaugural IBA light welterweight title via unanimous decision. However, this was just the beginning. Holm went on to win multiple world titles across several divisions, amassing a record of 33-2-3. She was awarded Fighter of the Year by The Ring Magazine in 2005 and 2006, cementing her place as one of the best female boxers of her era.

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5 Holm Was Inducted Into The International Boxing Hall of Fame

She Is Also A Member Of The International Women's Boxing Hall Of Fame

Her achievements in the sport of boxing are up there with any other female. In addition to winning titles in multiple weight classes, she was part of several high-profile classics. Her induction into the Hall of Fame cements her legacy as one of the most accomplished female fighters in history.

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4 Holm Broke Her Arm In An MMA Fight

She Went On To Win

The damage to her arm reportedly occurred while punching her opponent. Going into the fifth round, Holm was ahead on the scorecards. Despite her injury , she finished Werner with a spectacular knockout from a left high kick followed up by ground and pound. This was her final fight before she signed for the UFC.

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3 In 2015, Holly Holm Shocked The World

She Fought Ronda Rousey At UFC 193

Holm battered Rousey from the opening bell, using her speed and elusive movement to bamboozle the champion. Rousey looked stunned after the first round and was bloodied from the nose. In the second round, Holm knocked out Rousey cold with a thumping left high kick followed by hammer fists.

In addition to her title, Holm won multiple awards for the victory, including Upset of the Year and Knockout of the Year.

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2 She Was On The End Of A Highlight Reel KO

Holm Suffered A Brutal Knockout In A Boxing Title Fight

Despite her condition, the referee allowed her to get free from the ropes and continue. Seconds later, Mathis landed a devastating right hand that put Holm out cold. Miraculously, six months later, Holm won the rematch via unanimous decision. The defeat to Mathis was her last in boxing.

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1 Holly Holm Left The UFC In 2024

This Came As A Shock

At 43 years old, there's no doubting Holly's career was in its twilight. However, most expected her to fight out her contract as she remains a popular athlete. Although she hasn't announced her next move, it's reported that she may fight again under a different banner.