Rewind to November 15th 2015, Holly Holm shocked the world by dethroning the unbeaten and seemingly untouchable Ronda Rousey to claim the women’s bantamweight title. Talk show appearances followed as did heavy media coverage, women’s mma had a new star who would go on to headline the much anticipated UFC 196 event against veteran Miesha Tate. The main event did not go Holm’s way ending hopes of a rematch with Rousey & a second consecutive loss against Valentina Shevchenko capped off a miserable year for Holly Holm.
2017 brings a fresh opportunity for Holly Holm with the introduction of the 145lb women’s weight division, therefore Holly Holm has the chance to become the first ever woman to hold UFC world titles in two separate weight divisions this Saturday. Holm’s resume was already stacked prior to becoming a UFC champion previously a three weight boxing world champion & two time Ring magazine female fighter of the year. When Holm decided to transition to mma she was at the time the #1 pound for pound female boxer ranked by Boxrec.
Germaine de Randamie herself has an impressive history prior to her mma debut, she’s a former six time Muay Thai world champion in two weight divisions. Germaine finished her Muay Thai career undefeated with a record of 46 wins 30 of those coming by way of ko or tko. Her current mma record stands at 6 wins 3 losses however from her 4 fights in the UFC her only loss is to current Women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes. Whilst this fight offers Holm a chance to wind the clock back de Randamie will be a tough hungry contender gunning for her first taste of UFC gold.
Potential fight of the night
Dustin Poirier vs Jim Miller
7 fight of the night awards between these two (5 for miller 2 for Poirier), both involved in fights considered fight of the year by different sources in 2012. Miller has 25 fights in the UFC octagon Poirier has 16, this fight contains a nice mix of experience and contrasting styles which should marry up well to produce an enjoyable fight.
Fighter to watch
Anderson Silva
Usually i pick young fighters that can go on to shake up the division but too often when great fighters pass their prime and no longer get the limelight they become overlooked. When i watch Anderson Silva nowadays i personally cherish every second of watching him perform. He physically isn’t the same mesmerizing destroyer he was prior to the Chris Weidman losses yet Anderson Silva is still regarded by most (including me) as the best ever. He is certified mma royalty, any time he fights i get the feeling of nostalgia and hope that he may have one last magical performance or strike to astound us with.
