Ex-UFC champ Holly Holm signs with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, books return to boxing in June
Ex-UFC champion Holly Holm is returning to boxing after signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions with her first fight already booked for June 28.
She competes on the same card where Paul faces off with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in the main event from the Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
The deal came together after Holm started pursuing a potential return to the sport following the end of her run in the UFC. Holm previously served as bantamweight champion following her stunning head kick knockout over Ronda Rousey in 2015.
With multiple fights still left on her contract, Holm requested her release from the promotion with the UFC allowing her to pursue other options.
Holm eventually signed with the Global Fight League but that promotion effective came and went without ever holding a single show.
Regardless of her deal with GFL, Holm had teased her interest in possibly returning to boxing where she was previously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame following a career that included multiple championship reigns across several divisions. She left boxing with an impressive 33-2-3 record overall.
Now the 43-year-old veteran is set to compete in a boxing match for the first time since 2013.
In her return fight, Holm faces 10-1 fighter Yolanda Vega in a 10-round lightweight bout contested over two-minute rounds.
“I’m excited to partner with Most Valuable Promotions and return to the boxing ring,” Holm said in a statement. “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.”
Holm vs. Vega joins Paul vs. Chavez and several more fights with the entire card being broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view.