Holly Holm

Bio:
Holly Holm (born on October 17, 1981 in Albuquerque, New Mexico) is an American mix martial artists and former boxer and kickboxer. Holly grew up in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, graduating from Manzano High School before studying at University of New Mexico for a year. Holly was involved in gymnastics, swimming and diving. Her aerobics instructor got her into kickboxing, which led to her winning the 2001 International Kickboxing Federation’s USA National amateur championship tournament. She went pro in kickboxing shortly afterward, but shifted her focus to boxing. During her boxing career, some regarded Holly as the best female welterweight in the world. In 2008, she became the undisputed welterweight champion by defeating Mary Jo Sanders by decision. In 2011, Holly took on Anne Sophie for the vacant IBF and WBAN welterweight titles. Holly suffered a brutal KO, but avenged the loss in the rematch, beating Anne by unanimous decision. Holly’s boxing record is 38-2-3, with 9 wins by knockouts. During her career, she was an 18-time world champion in three different weight classes: Welterweight, Light Welterweight and Light Middleweight. In 2011, Holly switched over to MMA, winning her first three bouts by TKO. By 2015, Holly had a 9-0 record with 6 wins by knockout. Holly beat Ronda Rousey in the UFC 193 match in Melbourne, Australia on November 14, 2015, knocking her out in just six minutes, barely into the second round — unseating her from her bantamweight throne. That championship title was short-lived, though; she was defeated by Miesha Tate at UFC 196 on March 5, 2016, losing hard at 3:30 in the fifth round.

Best Known For:
Holly Holm is best known as a former professional boxer and current MMA fighter. She is the first person to ever beat Ronda Rousey in UFC.

Personal Life:
Holly married Jeff Kirkpatrick, on April 27, 2012. Her father was a preacher at Bosque Farms Church of Christ for 18 years, which is why her nickname is “The Preacher’s Daughter.”