Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm has shared her thoughts on recent statements made by Ronda Rousey. In 2015, Holm famously defeated Rousey at UFC 193 with a knockout head kick, ending Rousey’s undefeated streak and taking her championship belt.
Recently, Rousey suggested that while she possesses the capability to “clean Holly Holm’s clock” in a hypothetical rematch, she no longer has the desire to avenge past losses. The 39-year-old athlete stated in an interview that her current priorities lie with her family and children, rather than returning to competition.
In response to Rousey’s remarks, Holly Holm indicated to Ariel Helwani that she remains open to a second fight with Rousey. However, Holm expressed her belief that Rousey does not genuinely wish for a rematch.
“You can say one thing, and actions are another,” Holm stated. “She’s always going to be more of that type of person… I’ve always said I’ll rematch her. That’s the bottom line. She doesn’t want it. She’s never wanted it, and that’s alright. I’m not even mad at her for it. I don’t want someone to get in there and fight if they don’t actually want to fight, because I want someone who wants it.”
Holm, who is coming off a majority-decision loss to Stephanie Han, also mentioned her plans to retire from fighting by the end of 2026. The 44-year-old former boxing world champion expressed her desire for “big fights” in her remaining professional career.
English Translation:
Former UFC women’s bantamweight queen Holly Holm has reacted to Ronda Rousey’s recent claims. Back in 2015, “The Preacher’s Daughter” defeated Rousey with a brutal head kick and ground and pound at UFC 193, ending “Rowdy’s” undefeated record and taking her bantamweight crown.
However, Rousey recently stated that she would “clean her clock” if they were to have a rematch. At this stage in her life, however, she is not interested in avenging losses and would prefer to dedicate her time to her family and children instead of competing. The 39-year-old told Kay Adams during an interview:
“I think I definitely have the ability and the opportunity to be able to f*cking clean her clock and rewrite all of that but it’s no longer important to me anymore. It doesn’t haunt me. It’s not the most important thing in my life… I know how good I am and my kids need me in their life and I want to be there for them.”
Ronda Rousey most recently competed at MVP MMA 1, where she submitted Gina Carano in just 17 seconds. Following that fight, she made it clear that she has no intention of competing again.
Holly Holm reacts to Ronda Rousey’s big claims: “She’s never wanted it, and that’s alright”
Reacting to Ronda Rousey’s comments, Holly Holm told Ariel Helwani during a recent interview that she is game to rematch Ronda Rousey. However, “The Preacher’s Daughter” believes that it is something Rousey does not want.
“You can say one thing, and actions are another. She’s always going to be more of that type of person… I’ve always said I’ll rematch her. That’s the bottom line… She doesn’t want it. She’s never wanted it, and that’s alright. I’m not even mad at her for it. I don’t want someone to get in there and fight if they don’t actually want to fight, because I want someone who wants it.”
Holm is coming off a controversial majority-decision loss to Stephanie Han in their rematch this past weekend. During the same interview, the 44-year-old multiple-time boxing world champion added that she plans to retire by the end of this year.
“If I’m being really honest, I just want big fights. I’m not saying that all of them have to be title fights, but definitely a couple within the year, and then I’m done. I definitely want them to be fights that people want to see.”