Former UFC champion Holly Holm is set to make her return to professional boxing. She has signed a contract with Jake Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), and her first bout is already scheduled for June 28th.
This return fight will take place on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. main event, held at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
The agreement with MVP materialized as Holm explored options for returning to boxing after concluding her career in the UFC. During her time in MMA, she famously became the UFC bantamweight champion by knocking out Ronda Rousey with a head kick in 2015.
Despite having fights remaining on her UFC contract, Holm sought and was granted a release to pursue these alternative opportunities.
She had previously signed with the Global Fight League (GFL), but that promotion dissolved without ever holding an event.
Her interest in boxing persisted, however. Holm is a highly decorated former professional boxer, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Her boxing career featured numerous championship reigns across various weight classes and concluded with an impressive record of 33 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws. The 43-year-old veteran is now preparing for her first boxing match since 2013.
Her opponent for the comeback fight will be Yolanda Vega, who holds a professional record of 10-1. They will compete in a 10-round lightweight contest (135 lbs) consisting of two-minute rounds.
In a statement, Holm expressed her enthusiasm:
“I`m excited to partner with Most Valuable Promotions and return to the boxing ring. This new chapter is going to be an exciting journey, and I`m looking forward to the challenge.”
She also noted the significance of returning to the lightweight division where she spent much of her MMA career:
“Coming full circle back to boxing – I`ve spent most of my MMA career at 135 pounds, and now I have the opportunity to make my boxing debut at that weight.”
Holm, who previously won boxing titles in three higher weight classes, added:
“I`m eager to pursue a fourth title in a new division.”
The full fight card, including Holm vs. Vega and Paul vs. Chavez Jr., will be available exclusively on DAZN pay-per-view.
