Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm is making a highly anticipated return to professional boxing after signing a deal with Jake Paul`s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Her comeback fight is scheduled for June 28.
The veteran fighter will compete on the same fight card headlined by Jake Paul`s bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., taking place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Holm`s decision to return to the sport where she previously excelled comes after the conclusion of her tenure with the UFC. She famously captured the UFC bantamweight title in 2015 with a stunning knockout victory over Ronda Rousey.
Despite having fights remaining on her contract, Holm requested and was granted a release from the UFC to pursue other ventures. She had previously signed with the Global Fight League, but that promotion ultimately dissolved without hosting any events.
Boxing has always been a significant part of the 43-year-old`s career. An inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Holm held multiple world championships across different weight classes, concluding her initial boxing run in 2013 with a formidable 33-2-3 record.
Her opponent for the June 28 ring return will be Yolanda Vega, who holds a professional record of 10-1. The fight is scheduled as a 10-round lightweight contest featuring two-minute rounds.
Expressing her excitement about the new partnership and her return to boxing, Holm stated, “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. 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. With boxing titles in three higher weight classes under my belt, I’m eager to pursue a fourth title in a new division.”
The full event, featuring Holm vs. Vega alongside Paul vs. Chavez Jr. and other bouts, will be broadcast via DAZN pay-per-view.
Marcus Blakely