Holly Holm Biography: Holly Rene Holm, born on October 17, 1981, is an American professional boxer and former mixed martial artist. She competed in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division and is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Holm has had an exceptional boxing career, claiming multiple world titles and defending them 18 times across three different weight classes.
Holly Holm Biography
Born on October 17, 1981, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Roger Holm and Tammy Bredy, Holly Holm is widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers in history. While attending Manzano High School, Holm initially wanted to join the wrestling team, but with no girls’ team available and her parents’ disapproval, she turned to kickboxing instead. She began sparring at 17 and had her first fight at 18.
Holly Holm Biography 2025 Details
| Born | Holly Rene Holm October 17, 1981 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Other names | The Preacher’s Daughter |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Bantamweight (MMA) Featherweight (MMA) Light Welterweight (Boxing) Welterweight (Boxing and Kickboxing) Light Middleweight (Boxing) |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) |
| Style | Boxing |
| Fighting out of | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Team | Jackson Wink MMA Academy (2007–present) AKKA Karate USA (2000–2007) |
| Trainer | Mike Winkeljohn (Boxing, Kickboxing) Greg Jackson (MMA) Israel Martinez (Wrestling) Rafael “Barata” Freitas (BJJ) |
| Rank | Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Roberto “Tussa” Alencar |
| Years active | 2011–present (MMA) 2002–2013 (Boxing) 2001–2003 (Kickboxing) |
| Category | WWE News |
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Holly Holm Personal Life
Holm’s coach, Mike Winkeljohn, immediately recognized her talent. In 2001, she won the national title in the international rules adult women’s division at Ringside’s amateur kickboxing tournament. Her amateur kickboxing career concluded with an undefeated record of 6 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws. She made her boxing debut in January 2002 and her professional kickboxing debut later that year on June 1.
About Holly Holm
Holly Rene Holm is an American professional boxer and former mixed martial artist. She previously competed in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where she is a former Women’s Bantamweight Champion.
Holly Holm Achievements
She was also named The Ring magazine’s Female Fighter of the Year in both 2005 and 2006. BoxRec ranks her as the second greatest female boxer of all time, pound for pound. Her most famous moment in MMA came at UFC 193 on November 15, 2015, in Melbourne, where she defeated Ronda Rousey in a stunning upset to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship. That victory, widely recognized as one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history by ESPN.
Holly Holm Wiki
- Born: 17 October 1981 (age 43 years), Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
- Spouse: Jeff Kirkpatrick (m. 2012–2019)
- Martial arts: Boxing, Mixed martial arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Parents: Tammy Bredy, Roger Holm
- Division: Welterweight, Light middleweight, Light welterweight
- Weight: 61 kg
- Siblings: Weston Holm, Brian Holm
Early Life
Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holm is the youngest of three siblings. Her father, Roger Holm, a Church of Christ preacher with Swedish and Native American roots, inspired her nickname “The Preacher’s Daughter.” Her mother, Tammy, is a massage therapist of Irish and French heritage.During her youth, Holm was active in several sports, including soccer, gymnastics, swimming, and diving. She graduated from Manzano High School in 2000, shortly after her parents divorced, and went on to attend the University of New Mexico for one year.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Holly Rene Holm-Kirkpatrick |
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Manzano High School; briefly attended the University of New Mexico |
| Marital Status | Married Jeff Kirkpatrick in 2012; divorced in 2019 |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $4 million (2024) |
| Major Achievements | UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Boxing Hall of Fame inductee (2022) |
Holly Holm Family
Holly grew up as the youngest of three children in a close-knit family in Albuquerque. Her father, Roger Holm, a Church of Christ preacher, and her mother, Tammy Holm, a massage therapist, were constant sources of encouragement. Her father, in particular, was known for being present at nearly all her competitions, offering unwavering support throughout her career.
From a young age, Holm displayed a natural affinity for sports. She participated in activities such as gymnastics, soccer, swimming, and diving. Though initially interested in wrestling during high school, she turned to kickboxing due to the lack of a girls’ wrestling team—an early pivot that would shape her athletic journey.
Career Beginnings and Milestones
Holm began training in kickboxing at the age of 16 and quickly made her mark, finishing her amateur kickboxing career with a record of 6 wins, 0 losses, and 2 draws. In 2001, she claimed her first title at the International Kickboxing Federation’s USA National Amateur Championship. Her transition to professional boxing in 2002 launched a dominant decade-long run. Holm compiled a record of 33 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws, including 9 knockouts.
She held and defended world titles across three weight divisions, earning acclaim as Ring Magazine’s Female Fighter of the Year in 2005 and 2006. Holm made her debut in MMA, competing in organizations such as Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Championship. She retired from boxing in 2013 to fully pursue a career in MMA. By 2014, she had joined the UFC, where she made history.
Signature Moments and Achievements
Holm’s stunning head-kick knockout victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November 2015 is hailed as one of the greatest upsets in MMA history. The win earned her the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship and catapulted her into global fame. Over the years, Holm has received widespread recognition for her achievements, culminating in her induction into the Boxing International Hall of Fame in 2022. She remains one of the few athletes to excel at the highest levels of both boxing and MMA.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
As of January 2025, Holm has concluded her decade-long run with the UFC and is now a free agent. Despite facing a setback with a submission loss to Kayla Harrison in April 2024, she has expressed interest in continuing her career in both MMA and boxing. Holm’s name is forever etched in combat sports history, not only for her titles but for her determination, versatility, and the inspiration she provides to fighters around the world.
Personal Life and Relationships
Holly Holm married Jeff Kirkpatrick in 2012, but the couple separated and finalized their divorce in 2019. They did not have any children. Despite the end of her marriage, Holm has maintained a strong focus on personal growth and professional development.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Holm originally pursued soccer and gymnastics before transitioning to combat sports.
- She became the first fighter to defeat Ronda Rousey in the UFC, delivering one of the sport’s most iconic upsets.
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers in history, Holm has held multiple world titles in three different weight classes.
- Outside of the ring, she is passionate about horses and enjoys spending time on her family’s farm.
- Holm has a strong social media presence, where she shares insights into her training routines, fitness tips, and personal life.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Holly Holm is also known for her commitment to charitable causes, particularly those aimed at empowering youth through sports. She actively supports programs that promote physical fitness and confidence in young girls, and she’s a vocal advocate for women’s participation in combat sports. Her legacy transcends titles and championships. Holm’s historic win over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 helped shift perceptions of women in MMA and opened doors for more female athletes in the sport. Her resilience, humility, and dedication have made her a role model for aspiring fighters and athletes worldwide.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Looking ahead, Holm has expressed interest in continuing her involvement in combat sports, whether through select return matches or by mentoring the next generation of fighters. She’s also expanding her footprint in the wellness and fitness industries, exploring new opportunities to grow her personal brand. Holm’s influence extends well beyond the octagon or boxing ring. She has become a cultural icon in women’s sports, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and trailblazing spirit. Her story continues to inspire countless athletes, especially women striving to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
Holly Holm Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Holly Holm’s net worth is estimated at approximately $4 million. Her earnings come primarily from her long and successful careers in boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. In addition to her fight purses and UFC contracts, Holm has boosted her income through sponsorships, endorsements, and business ventures. Holm has been featured in campaigns for athletic apparel, fitness gear, and health products. She owns several luxury assets, including real estate and high-end vehicles. Her main residence is a spacious home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she enjoys a quieter, grounded lifestyle when not traveling for events or public appearances.
FAQs
What is Holly Holm’s net worth?
Holm’s estimated net worth is more than $4 million, which has been mostly earned through her salary in the UFC. She has an average payout of $250,000 per fight, which includes her base pay, performance bonus, and pay-per-view points.
Did Holly Holm leave the UFC?
It’s been a long and eventful ride for “The Preacher’s Daughter,” who already put together a Hall of Fame boxing career before her full-time transition to MMA. Despite having two fights left on her UFC contract, Holm requested and was granted her release Monday, ending a 10-year run with the promotion.
Does Holly Holm train with Jon Jones?
If anyone can succeed at heavyweight, it’s Jon Jones according to friend and fellow former UFC champion Holly Holm. Training partners under the tutelage of Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn at Jackson Wink MMA, Holm (14-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) and Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) have long been supporters of each others’ careers.
What did Holly Holm say to Ronda Rousey?
Holly Holm responds to Ronda Rousey’s claim that she was concussed before their 2015 fight: ‘It’s probably hard for her to probably admit that I was the better fighter … But she wasn’t better than me and especially that night.
Is Holly Holm a good fighter?
Holm has held several welterweight boxing titles, been highly regarded as one of the best female welterweights in the world, and is considered among the best of all time, by some.