Holly Holm is stepping into a new chapter of her combat sports career as a free agent. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion has parted ways with the UFC after mutual agreement, giving her the freedom to pursue fresh opportunities. According to Holm’s longtime agent, Lenny Fresquez, and other sources, the decision was made to allow Holm to explore the final stages of her illustrious career.
Holly Holm Becomes a Free Agent After Parting Ways with UFC
Holm, 43, had two fights left on her UFC contract but requested the chance to seek out other challenges. With a decorated background in both boxing and MMA, she is keeping her options open, considering both sports as she moves forward. Fresquez confirmed that Holm plans to keep competing in both MMA and boxing.
Breaking:
Holly Holm has parted ways with the UFC and is now a free agent.
She had two fights left on her deal, asked to explore other opportunities and the UFC obliged.
She plans on continuing to fight and is open to MMA or boxing, her long-time agent Lenny Fresquez tells…
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 14, 2025
A member of the Boxing International Hall of Fame since 2022, Holm has earned recognition for her stellar boxing career, which saw her win titles in three different weight classes. Her 2015 knockout victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, which captured the UFC women’s bantamweight title, remains one of the most iconic moments in combat sports history.
Holm’s UFC journey included a solid run with notable wins over top fighters like Raquel Pennington, Irene Aldana, and Megan Anderson. Despite her success, she faced challenges in her later career, coming up short in several title bouts after losing her belt to Miesha Tate in 2016. Her most recent fight ended in a second-round submission loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 300, marking the end of her UFC tenure.
Now, as a free agent, Holm’s next move is up in the air, but fans can expect the multi-sport athlete to continue making waves in the combat sports world.
