Here's What Holly Holm Thinks About Being UFC Champ
Holly Holm is still not used to being called UFC women's bantamweight champion. In an interview with USA Today, Holm revealed her thoughts about being a champion in the UFC as she prepares for her first-ever title defense.
"The Preacher's Daughter" said that her life completely changed after defeating Ronda Rousey last November at the main event of UFC 193. She dominated the previously undefeated champion and knocked her out cold with a hard kick to the head at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
"It is hard to be patient with people sometimes but it is important that I don't lose my patience and understand that they mean well. But when people want to take a photo with me in the toilet, that is a little weird," Holly said.
Even though she's a multi-time boxing champion, the 34-year-old has not experienced the popularity she has right now. It's a completely different life now for Holly and husband Jeff Kirkpatrick.
Her father, Roger Holm, also revealed the daily challenges of being famous.
'The Preacher's Daughter'
"It is hard because the more you get known and the more successful you get, the more people want a piece of you," Roger told USA Today. "There is not a lot of privacy anymore. People go up and talk to her in the grocery store, in restaurants, in Target, on the street."
Holly got her moniker from his father, who is a real-life preacher that gives weekly sermons at the Edgewood Church of Christ in Tijeras in New Mexico. Roger completely understands Holly's job in the fight game, despite the violent nature of the sport.
"I have come to understand it as a art form and for Holly it is a chance to spread a positive message," Roger said.
First Defense: Holly Holm vs Miesha Tate
The UFC women's bantamweight champion is risking a lot when she makes her first title defense against Miesha Tate at UFC 196 on March 6. Holly is not only at risk of losing her belt but also risking her chance at a big money rematch with Rousey later this year.
UFC President Dana White previously said that Holly will face Rousey in a rematch at UFC 200 in July. However, Rousey said that she would not be ready to fight at that time.
According to a fight preview by MMA Mania, Holly will need to take advantage of Tate's aggressiveness and try to catch her coming in. As for Tate, she needs to fight smart and not make the same mistake that "Rowdy" did.
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