Holly Holm is Ms. Big Shot now. That’s not to say all that she’s achieved in a UFC Octagon is anything short of spectacular, but there’s a certain fame earned when you completely ravage a previously unstoppable force like Ronda Rousey in just over two rounds.
Ever since “Preacher’s Daughter” earned the women’s Bantamweight championship in a resounding upset back at UFC 193 last November, she has received a hero’s welcome in her hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico, had November named “Holly Holm Month” locally, and made appearance after appearance on popular mainstream television shows.
Not too shabby.
When asked if she would trade it all in for a moment of piece and quiet, she told MMA Junkie that while there are times she may fancy some relaxation, the perks of a champion’s life are just too good to pass up.
“The reason why the spotlights are there is because of the victory, so I’ll take that any day over the opposite. I’m fine with it, but I still like to just get to the gym and train. I think that as long as I stay focused on keeping a good balance, then I’ll do just that. I got to meet actors, actresses, singers, athletes, and that’s been awesome. No marriage proposals yet, but I’m already married. It’s been fun, though. I’m just trying to ride the wave. There have been opportunities I’ve gotten to take advantage of – I got to go to the Broncos game, and go down on the field and watch the first possessions of the game and sit in the VIP section and just really enjoy the game.”
Although Holm may like to bask in the limelight, it’s back to business for the pride of Jackson-Wink MMA. The 34-year-old and her “mastermind” coaches must gameplan and breakdown her upcoming UFC 197 opponent on March 5, 2016, Miesha Tate, who has been nothing but complementary towards the 135-pound queen.
Mike Winkeljohn, part of the Jackson-Wink staff, admits that the winner of four-straight fights Tate presents a new set of challenges, which Holm has yet to face in her professional career.
Holm recognizes that and is looking forward to the chance of competing against someone, who is not named Rousey … for once.
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