The post-event press conference for UFC 300 was almost as eventful as the historic card.
UFC CEO Dana White praised Max Holloway’s performance in the BMF title fight against Justin Gaethje and applauded Alex Pereira’s successful title defense over Jamahal Hill.
In addition to announcing the main events for UFC 302 and 303 (highlighted by Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon), White offered tough love and advice for one of his most consistent and dependable former champions.
When discussing the successful debut of Kayla Harrison, who handed Holly Holm a submission loss in the former’s UFC debut, White said, “I would love to see Holly retire.”
Holm’s loss was a respectable defeat, considering Harrison looks like she could be a future champion in the UFC. However, she looked about as bad as we’ve ever seen her look in the Octagon.
Holm is also 42 years old, clearly an advanced age for the sport.
That said, Holm isn’t on the type of losing streak we’ve seen from some other fighters. Tony Ferguson has lost seven fights in a row, and four defeats have come by stoppage.
Anthony Smith has lost four of his last five fights. Since September 2019, he’s only beaten one opponent—Ryan Spann–twice. Smith is set to compete on the main card at UFC 301 on May 4.
Holm has lost two of her last three fights, but she did win a unanimous decision over Yana Santos in March 2023. In May 2022, she also lost a split decision to Kaitlin Viera.
Holm addressed fans on her Instagram after the loss to Harrison. She regretted her performance, saying, “I went out there and I lost all focus on the game plan. I did nothing that we trained for in this fight. All the respect to Kayla, she was the better fighter tonight.”
Holm closed the short video by saying, “I will be back,” which had to be a response to White’s suggestion that she retire.
While consistently professional and classy throughout her career, Holm has also proven defiant. It’s part of the reason she is a legend and is headed to the UFC Hall of Fame whenever she decides to call it a career.
Holm’s defiance is what made her upset win over Ronda Rousey possible. However, that win came almost nine years ago, and Father Time is still undefeated.
Chances are we will see at least one more fight from Holm in the UFC. Depending on her contract situation, she could also fight for another promotion if she is out of contract and opportunities with the UFC.
Stay tuned.
