Much of the talk in recent years surrounding Holly Holm has focused on retirement. When will the 38-year-old Holm hang up the gloves?
After her performance on Saturday in the UFC Fight Night main event on Fight Island, that discussion could be about a title shot.
Holm, ranked sixth in the ESPN women’s bantamweight rankings, overwhelmed Irene Aldana for five rounds and earned a unanimous decision victory in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Holm, known for her striking, used five takedowns to smother Aldana, who entered the fight ranked fifth and a winner in four of her past five fights.
After losing four of five, Holm, the former 135-pound champ, has won three of four, with Saturday night’s domination certainly opening eyes.
Germaine de Randamie might have something to say about who gets the next title shot in the division, however.
The second-ranked de Randamie, who specializes in kickboxing, choked out the fourth-rated Julianna Pena in Round 2 on Saturday. De Randamie had last fought against champion Amanda Nunes and lost last December. But the 36-year-old de Randamie, who has won six of her past seven, called out Nunes after her win.
Another veteran had reason to smile on Saturday. Carlos Condit, who hadn’t fought in two years, snapped a five-fight skid by notching a unanimous decision win over Court McGee.
