Fan favorite and the one to derail the Ronda Rousey hype train, Holly Holm locked horns with Yana Santos in the co-main event of UFC San Antonio inside the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Despite the odds against her favor, the 41-year-old won every single round of their highly anticipated bout.
Less than 10 seconds into the fight, Santos used her right hand to initiate the clinch. After every back-and-forth the duo shared, the two women separated themselves, only for Holm to shoot for a takedown. Santos then surprised Holm with her kicks, something that has always been the go-to in Holly’s arsenal. Taking this as an opportunity, Holm would initiate the clinch while continuing to win the fight on points.
Even though it was a Holly Holm fight, the Albuquerque resident never really showed off her kickboxing skills tonight. Instead, she came into this fight with a more wrestling-heavy offense. During all three rounds, Holly made Yana appear like the latter didn’t know where she wanted to take the fight. Every time Santos threw a hand or an elbow strike, Holm used it as an opening before successfully shooting for a takedown.
This was indeed a very dominating performance from the former kickboxing world champion. The former UFC title challenger did stand and trade with Santos. However, she didn’t land anything remotely damaging on her opponent and went on to win the wrestling side of the game while almost securing a stoppage in the 2nd round via crucifix and eventually mount.
Will Holly Holm fight for the title?
Holm came into the UFC after transitioning to MMA with the aim to become a world champion. In her very first title shot, the 41-year-old knocked out the then-dominating champion Ronda Rousey in a devastating fashion. However, the New Mexico resident has had her fair share of ups and downs throughout her MMA career.
Even after arguably all 5 rounds of her first title defense, Holm lost her belt to Miesha Tate via a rear naked choke at the very last minute. After this, Holm went through a rough patch in her career with a very unstable record to follow.
Just knows how to stay in title contention
— Suge Whyte (@Samoanpearl) March 26, 2023
Despite losing her belt in her very first title defense, Holly went on to fight for the title a whopping 3 times. Not many MMA fighters can claim this on their resume, let alone UFC athletes. She came out unsuccessful against Germain De Randemie, Cris Cyborg, and Amanda Nunes during her title face-offs.
However, tonight Holly proved that age is nothing but a number as the 41-year-old came out on top of what could have been the beginning to the end of her MMA career. One thing is for sure, fans wouldn’t mind seeing Holm get booked for another title fight after one or two more performances like tonight.
Fight fans react to Holly’s victory
The MMA community didn’t take long to take over their social media and express how they felt about the aging athlete’s dominant victory tonight. In fact, this bout has become one of the most talked-about of the entire card so far because of Holm’s shocking yet underrated showcase of her wrestling prowess. The 41-year-old just keeps sharpening her skills at her gracious age.
Holly Holm does not age bro😭 #UFCSanAntonio
— Evan Schaffer (@evandschaffer) March 26, 2023
Dominant performance from Holly Holm.
Most lopsided fight of the night so far.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) March 26, 2023
Holy Holm is definition of strong/independent women.
— Saidyokub Kakhramonov (@SaidYokubMMA) March 26, 2023
Who knew Holly could grapple got her down in the 3rd round too!!!
— jason millernnn I (@IMasonjiles) March 26, 2023
fantastic performance Holly Holm!
— Duck Chorgan (@chuckdorgan) March 26, 2023
What do you think about Holly’s performance against Yan Santos? Do you think she deserves another title shot? Let us know in the comments down below.
