Holly Holm, a former UFC champion and perennial contender, looks to overcome rising contender Mayra Bueno Silva on Saturday night. An impressive showing goes a long way in a division without a champion. Holm vs. Bueno Silva headlines UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas in the aftermath of Amanda Nunes’ retirement.
Holm’s (15-6) longevity in combat sports is a bit unfathomable. The decorated Hall of Fame boxer made the switch to mixed martial arts in 2011. She rode the momentum all the way to an iconic head-kick knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015 to capture the UFC women’s bantamweight champion. It’s been a bumpy road since with Holm falling short in four subsequent title fights: two at women’s bantamweight and two at women’s featherweight. Holm always appears to be within striking distance of another opportunity and intends to fill the void left by Nunes.
“Too bad I couldn’t get a rematch with her and now she’s retired,” Holm told CBS Sports.
“My goal is still the belt, regardless. If she ever wants to come out of retirement, maybe that can happen,” Holm said at Wednesday’s media day. “Not every fighter stays retired, right? But I do feel like I’m one fight away from the title regardless. If at 145 or 135, but I…
