Holly Holm’s Boxing Return: Title Dream Derailed by Accident

In a world where athletic careers often fade with age, some legends defy the calendar, stepping back into the crucible of competition to chase one more moment of glory. Such was the narrative unfolding around Holly Holm, the 44-year-old combat sports icon, as she returned to the boxing ring on January 3, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her mission? To challenge Stephanie Han for the WBA lightweight title and, in doing so, attempt to become a rare four-division world champion in boxing, a decade after her last significant foray into the sport.

Holm, affectionately known as ‘The Preacher’s Daughter,’ carries a legacy few can rival. Before her storied transition to mixed martial arts, which saw her capture the UFC bantamweight title with a stunning knockout of Ronda Rousey, Holm was an accomplished boxer, boasting multiple world titles across various weight classes. Her return to boxing, with only one fight since 2013, was a testament to her enduring ambition and an audacious challenge to Father Time himself. This high-stakes bout against Stephanie Han, a formidable champion from El Paso, served as the co-main event to the much-anticipated Amanda Serrano vs. Reina Tellez unified featherweight title fight, adding another layer of intrigue to the night’s proceedings.

A Clash of Generations and Ambitions

The build-up to the Han vs. Holm fight was charged with anticipation. Stephanie Han, with an impressive professional boxing record of 11-0 (3 KOs) entering the fight, was defending her WBA lightweight crown against a living legend. Han, 35, was not just a champion; she was a fighter with her own narrative, following in the footsteps of her sister, Jennifer Han, a former world champion. For Han, this was an opportunity to solidify her reign and defeat one of the most recognizable names in combat sports. Holm, with a boxing record of 34-2-3 (9 KOs), brought unparalleled experience, but also the question of ring rust after years dedicated to MMA. The tale of the tape showed minimal physical differences – Holm at 5-foot-8, Han at 5-foot-7.5, both weighing in at 134.8 pounds. The stage was set for a compelling southpaw-orthodox battle.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Han had come with a meticulous game plan. She aimed to deny Holm the distance and pace she usually prefers, instead taking the fight to the challenger. In the early rounds, Han showed confidence, landing sharp punches and working the body effectively. While Holm, a southpaw, connected with some straight lefts and jabs, Han consistently found a home for her right hand, disrupting Holm’s rhythm. The El Paso Times reported that Han was ‘much busier’ and ‘landed right hand effectively’ in the third round. As the fight progressed, Han appeared to gain confidence, relentlessly pressuring Holm. By the fourth round, Han had significantly out-landed Holm, 61-17, according to fight statistics, showcasing her dominance in the early exchanges.

The Unforeseen Stoppage and Its Aftermath

The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, took an unexpected turn in the seventh. As the two fighters engaged, an accidental clash of heads occurred, resulting in a significant cut on Stephanie Han’s forehead. The severity of the injury prompted the ringside doctor to stop the contest at 1:44 of the round. Because the fight had passed the halfway point, it went to the judges’ scorecards for a technical decision. The scores were quickly announced: 69-65, 69-64, and 68-65, all in favor of Stephanie Han. The unanimous decision meant Han successfully retained her WBA lightweight title, but the manner of the victory left a palpable sense of anticlimax.

The immediate reactions from both camps highlighted the unsatisfying conclusion. Speaking after the fight, Stephanie Han expressed immense respect for Holm, calling her an ‘absolute legend’ and a ‘freakin’ athlete.’ Crucially, Han extended an offer for a rematch, stating, ‘If you want a rematch, let’s do it in El Paso, let’s do it in Albuquerque. I would love to fight you again.’ Holly Holm, visibly disappointed, echoed the sentiment. ‘Not being able to finish it was the hardest part. I didn’t want it to end like that,’ Holm told Bad Left Hook. When asked about a rematch, her response was unequivocal: ‘Absolutely. Nobody wants a fight to end like that. I don’t.’ The desire for a definitive conclusion was clear on both sides, setting the stage for a potential future encounter that could truly settle the score.

Holm’s Enduring Drive and Legacy

For Holly Holm, this fight was more than just a title shot; it was a statement about her enduring passion for combat sports and her refusal to be defined by age or past accomplishments. At 44, competing at the elite level in two demanding sports, Holm continues to inspire. Her journey from a decorated boxer to a UFC champion and back to the boxing ring is a narrative of relentless ambition and adaptability. While the technical decision loss wasn’t the fairytale ending many hoped for, it underscored her courage to step into the ring against a younger, active champion after a long hiatus from professional boxing. Her ability to still compete at this level, even against a dominant performance from Han, speaks volumes about her conditioning and fighting spirit.

The fight also highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s boxing, with champions like Stephanie Han proving their mettle against seasoned veterans. Han’s performance was sharp, calculated, and effective, demonstrating why she holds a world title. Her ability to land consistently and maintain pressure against a legend like Holm is a significant feather in her cap. The accidental headbutt, an unfortunate but common occurrence in boxing, left a cloud over the outcome, depriving fans of a full 10-round contest and both fighters of a conclusive finish. Yet, the mutual respect and immediate calls for a rematch suggest that this might not be the last chapter in the Han-Holm story.

The outcome, while officially a loss for Holm, serves as a poignant reminder of her unique place in combat sports history. It doesn’t diminish her legacy but rather adds another layer to her incredible narrative, showcasing her willingness to face any challenge, regardless of the odds or the calendar. A rematch would undoubtedly be a compelling spectacle, offering both fighters the chance for a more decisive resolution and fans another glimpse into the heart of a true warrior.