The Return Of Holly Holm: A New Shot At Boxing Glory Or A Step Too Far?

Holly Holm’s name is synonymous with historic moments in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Known for her unforgettable victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, Holm carved out a legacy that many fighters could only dream of. But her roots run deep in boxing, where she once reigned as a champion before transitioning to MMA in pursuit of new challenges. Now, after years of success in the UFC, Holm is being called back to the ring—but this time, by a rising star in the boxing world.

Mikaela Mayer, the current WBO welterweight champion, has offered Holm a shot at the title, confident in her own skills but respectful of Holm’s past in the sport. This unexpected challenge raises important questions: Can Holly Holm still compete at the highest level in boxing, or is this an opportunity that might prove too much at the age of 43?

In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing dynamics of this potential matchup, examining Holly Holm’s storied career, the current state of women’s boxing, and whether or not this clash could be the next chapter in Holm’s athletic journey.

Holly Holm’s Legendary Transition: From Boxing to MMA

Holly Holm’s journey from boxing to MMA is one of the most fascinating stories in combat sports. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holm first made her mark in the world of boxing, becoming a multiple-time world champion across multiple weight classes. With a 33-2-3 record, including 9 knockouts, she was a dominant force in the ring. However, after a decade of success, Holm decided to take on a new challenge: mixed martial arts.

Her decision to enter MMA wasn’t made on a whim. It was driven by a desire for personal growth and the thrill of testing her skills in a completely different arena. In 2014, Holm signed with the UFC, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor. But her most famous moment came in 2015 when she pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history by defeating Ronda Rousey for the UFC women’s bantamweight title. Holm’s precision striking—particularly her devastating left cross and high kick combination—sounded the death knell for Rousey’s undefeated streak and propelled Holm to superstardom.

Though Holm’s reign as UFC champion didn’t last long, her victory against Rousey remains one of the defining moments in the sport. She would go on to have a series of ups and downs in the UFC, ultimately losing her bantamweight title to Miesha Tate in 2016. Holm would go on to fight notable names like Amanda Nunes, but never regained her former title.

While her MMA career continues to be a testament to her resilience, Holm’s roots in boxing have never been far from her mind.

Mikaela Mayer: The Confident Challenger

Enter Mikaela Mayer, the WBO welterweight champion with a record that suggests she’s not afraid to take on anyone, regardless of their past accomplishments. Mayer, who has become one of the premier figures in women’s boxing, has been vocal about her belief that she is the best in her division.

In a recent podcast interview, Mayer was asked about Holm’s potential return to boxing, and her response was bold. Mayer acknowledged Holm’s past in boxing but confidently stated that she believed Holm wouldn’t be able to defeat her if the two ever shared the ring. “She can come and try, though; Mayer vs Holm!” she said, issuing a challenge to the UFC legend.

Mayer, a former unified world champion, has certainly proven her mettle inside the ring. She’s faced and defeated some of the best in the sport, and her confidence is grounded in her impressive record. But her remark about Holm wasn’t just a casual challenge—it was a clear statement of intent. Mayer believes she can defend her title against anyone, including a former champion like Holm.

While Mayer’s comments may come off as brash to some, they also reflect the competitive spirit that drives athletes to greatness. In the high-stakes world of boxing, confidence is just as important as skill. Mayer’s willingness to take on someone with Holm’s pedigree speaks to her readiness to defend her title at all costs.

Holm’s Return to Boxing: A Possible Comeback?

At 43 years old, it’s understandable that some might question whether Holm should continue competing at the highest level. Her last boxing bout took place in 2013 when she defended her IBA and WBF super lightweight titles against Mary McGee. Holm was still in her prime at that time, having only recently transitioned to MMA. However, in the years since, her focus has been on mixed martial arts, where she earned victories and endured setbacks.

Her last fight in the UFC was a loss to Kayla Harrison in 2024, which led to her departure from the organization. Despite losing her last few fights, Holm remains confident in her abilities and has expressed that retirement is not something she is ready for just yet. In an interview, Holm stated, “I know a lot of people have a lot of thoughts that I need to be retired, but I’m just not there yet. I know I still have a couple of fights left in me.”

Her openness to the idea of returning to boxing is clear, and the offer from Mayer could be the perfect opportunity for Holm to rekindle her boxing legacy. However, the question remains: is she still at the level required to compete against a fighter like Mayer, especially considering the gap in activity over the past decade?

The Future of Women’s Boxing: A New Era

While Holm’s situation is unique, it speaks to the broader evolution of women’s boxing. The sport has witnessed significant growth in recent years, thanks to the rise of stars like Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and, of course, Mikaela Mayer. These women have redefined what it means to be a successful boxer, shattering long-held stereotypes and proving that women can dominate in a sport that was once thought to be male-dominated.

As Holm contemplates her return to boxing, she would be entering a landscape that is vastly different from the one she left behind in 2013. The competition is fiercer, and the level of skill has undoubtedly improved. If Holm does take up Mayer’s challenge, she will need to be prepared for an entirely new kind of battle—one that tests not only her physical ability but also her mental resolve.

Moreover, a fight between two former champions from different combat sports could serve as a catalyst for further attention and growth in women’s boxing, potentially drawing in new fans and media coverage. The fight could also reignite interest in Holm’s boxing career, reminding fans of her skill, determination, and legacy in the sport.

A Clash of Titans?

The prospect of a Holly Holm vs. Mikaela Mayer title fight presents an intriguing narrative. Holm, a legend in both boxing and MMA, coming back to challenge a rising star in the boxing world is a storyline that would capture the attention of combat sports fans everywhere. The question is: Can Holm, at 43, step back into the ring and reclaim her former glory, or will the younger, more active Mayer prove too much for her?

It’s a tough question to answer, and only time will tell. What is certain is that Holm’s legacy, whether she competes again or not, is secure. But for those hoping to see one more chapter in her storied career, the prospect of her return to boxing offers hope that there are still great moments left to come.

As Holly Holm contemplates her return to boxing, the world watches with bated breath. A fight against Mikaela Mayer would be a battle of two generations: the seasoned veteran looking to reclaim her glory and the confident champion looking to cement her place in history. While Holm may be in the twilight of her career, the possibility of her stepping back into the boxing ring is exciting for fans who remember her glory days.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on the latest developments in combat sports. For a deeper dive into the strategies behind successful sports events, check out our article on how athletes like Holm and Mayer prepare for their biggest challenges and make history in the ring.