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Holly Holm’s MMA Career Enters Uncharted Waters After Back-to-Back UFC Losses

Holly Holm’s MMA Career Enters Uncharted Waters After Back-to-Back UFC Losses

In an eight-month span, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm’s career has taken a nose-dive since dethroning Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November.

She was choked out in her first title defense against Miesha Tate four months later at UFC 196 in March.

On Saturday, Holm faced Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC on Fox 20 main event at the United Center in Chicago. Entering the fight hoping to rebound from her first career MMA loss, Holm was defeated for a second time.

“I know that I’m capable of more than I showed tonight,” said an emotional Holm during the event's post-fight press conference. “I know I’m capable of more. I just need to believe in myself more.

“It wasn’t great tonight,” she said of her performance. “I just need to believe in my ability.”

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In her last two outings, Holm has been conservative in her attack. It's something that she recognizes and plans to quickly correct.

“I believe in myself. I just have to believe in what I’ve learned recently, and not be so hesitant at everything that's coming at me,” she said.

Even with the loss, Holm has potential big fights on the horizon. She could rematch Tate, who is coming off of a loss to Amanda Nunes. She could rematch Rousey, who is coming of the loss to Holm. “Rowdy” is expected to return at some point in the future.

Suffering back-to-back losses, Holm doesn't feel like she's in any position to be able to dictate who she'll face next.

“Coming off of two losses — I’ve never even been in this situation before — I personally feel… I don’t really feel like I’m in a place to choose,” said the former champion. “I think I just need to take whatever opportunities that they give me.”

(Photos courtesy of UFC)

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