Background and Early Life

Holly Rene Holm was born on October 17, 1981, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is the youngest of three children born to Roger and Tammy Holm. Her father, a Church of Christ pastor, and her mother, a massage therapist, provided a supportive environment for her early pursuits. Holly engaged in various sports throughout her youth, including soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and track and field. She graduated from Manzano High School and later attended the University of New Mexico.

Kickboxing and Boxing Beginnings

Holm began her combat sports journey in kickboxing and boxing, where she developed her signature striking skills. Her first major title came in 2001 when she won the International Rules Adult Women’s Welterweight Division at the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) USA National Amateur Championship Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. In that tournament, she achieved back-to-back wins, including a technical knockout just 34 seconds into the first bout and a unanimous decision in the second, concluding her amateur kickboxing career with a record of 6–0–2.

Holm later transitioned into professional boxing, where she gained recognition as a multi-time world champion across three weight classes. Her boxing career solidified her reputation as one of the most technical and disciplined female fighters in the sport's history.

UFC Career and Ronda Rousey Upset

Holm entered the UFC in 2015, carrying high expectations due to her striking prowess. After notching a few solid victories, she earned a title shot against then-bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. At UFC 193 in November 2015, Holm delivered a historic performance, defeating Rousey with a second-round head kick knockout. The win not only crowned her UFC bantamweight champion but also marked one of the most iconic moments in MMA history.

Following her title victory, Holm faced several elite fighters in the division. In July 2019, she challenged Amanda Nunes for the UFC bantamweight title but lost via a head kick knockout in the first round. Despite setbacks, Holm remains a top contender and a respected veteran in the sport.

Personal Life and Marriage

Holly Holm married Jeff Kirkpatrick in 2012 in a private ceremony in Cancun, Mexico. Jeff, who also hails from Albuquerque, studied accounting and finance and works in the business sector. He co-runs a local organization with his sister. The couple eventually separated, and their divorce was finalized in 2019.

Despite her fierce competitiveness in the octagon, Holm is known for her calm and humble personality outside of the ring. Friends and colleagues often describe her as grounded and warm-hearted. While she does not have children as of yet, she has suggested in interviews that family life may become a focus after retirement from competition.