Newly minted women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm wrapped the title around her waist with class after defeating Ronda Rousey at UFC 193.
“The Preacher’s Daughter”, who was subject to verbal abuse from “Rowdy” after the pre-fight weigh-ins, immediately looked to comfort Rousey after landing the head-kick KO. Holm enjoyed the post-fight celebration but was humble in victory.
The 34-year-old came to Rousey’s aid again earlier today after an overwhelmingly negative reception from fans.
“I hope people don’t get too brutal with it,” Holm said on The Dan Patrick Show. “This is a hard job to be in and a lot of people can’t get in there. When you get in that Octagon, it’s one of the loneliest places in the world, because it’s only up to you to do it. A lot of people wouldn’t even have the nerve to be able to get in and just put it all on the line.”
Holm, who extended her MMA resume to 10-0 after UFC 193, is no stranger to defeat in combat sports. The former boxing world champion suffered two knockout losses in her boxing career and was also KO’d in kickboxing.
“Millions of people are watching you and you might get knocked out, you might not,” Holm continued. “You might do well, you might not. But you kind of have to go in being OK with knowing millions of people are going to be watching this. There’s a reason why only certain people fight. You’re putting yourself out there and you know people are going to say something one way or another.”
Ronda Rousey’s popularity has exploded since she made her UFC debut in 2013 – the 28-year-old has starred in blockbuster movies, picked up sponsors and has cemented herself as a global female icon. Whilst being supportive of her opponent, Holm says Rousey’s criticism wasn’t a surprise.
“Any time you’re on top, people are going to want to talk one way or another,” Holm said. “She’s been pretty vocal in her career, I think it’s easier for people to want to pick at things. I think she’s strong enough. She can handle that.”
Check out the fully transcribed interview from MMAFighting.com here.
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