Will Holly Holm Reclaim Ufc Title Before Retirement? | Spinning Back Clique

A Solid Win, but Where Does It Leave Holly Holm?

At UFC San Antonio, former women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm made her return to the octagon after a 10-month absence. She put on a solid performance, winning a clean sweep unanimous decision against Yana Santos. However, it's worth noting that Santos herself had been out for 20 months. So, what's next for Holm?

In a division that lacks logical options for her, Holm acknowledged that she is in a challenging spot. With a new six-fight contract, it seems like her choices are either a fight against Juliana Pena or a title shot. But can she really reclaim the women's bantamweight title before she retires?

The Case Against Holm

To answer this question, we must consider the dominance of the current champion, Amanda Nunes. Nunes has been unstoppable in the division, making it difficult to envision anyone dethroning her. Holm's chances seem even slimmer when we take into account Nunes' track record and skills.

While Holm's performance at UFC San Antonio was commendable, it didn't create much buzz or excitement. It served as a reminder that she still stands head and shoulders above many other ranked fighters in the division. However, the women's bantamweight division as a whole is in a strange place. There are few intriguing match-ups left, with most contenders having already faced each other.

With the lackluster options available, it's hard to see where Holm fits in. Though she brings name recognition and talent to the division, her path to another title shot is murky. The current state of the division offers no standout or exciting prospects for her. This lack of clarity makes it challenging to determine her rightful place and potential for another title reign.

The Holly Holm Factor

Nevertheless, there are reasons to not count Holm out just yet. At 41 years old, she may not have the advantage of youth on her side, but her skills and experience cannot be underestimated. Holm's performance at UFC San Antonio showcased her impeccable timing, striking, and grappling abilities. It's worth noting that Santos may not have been at her best that night, but Holm did what she needed to do against her opponent.

Holm's status as a former champion also works in her favor. The UFC tends to favor fighters who have held the belt before, giving them opportunities to skip ahead in the division. With a new six-fight deal and the recognition she brings, Holm has positioned herself well for future title contention.

However, erasing memories of her previous loss to Nunes is a tough task. Nunes has proven time and again that she is virtually unbeatable. While Holm possesses the skill set to defeat anyone under the right circumstances, overcoming Nunes would require a monumental effort, especially considering the wear and tear of her boxing career.

The State of the Division

The women's bantamweight division, once hailed as the gold standard of women's MMA, finds itself in a perplexing state. Unlike the flyweight and strawweight divisions, which have successfully cultivated up-and-coming fighters, the upper divisions have struggled to find fresh talent.

The rankings within the division currently lack depth and excitement. Talented fighters are few and far between, with many fighters alternating between wins and losses or remaining in the same ranking spots for an extended period. This lack of new blood in the division poses a significant challenge for the UFC in terms of creating compelling match-ups and revitalizing interest.

While the talent pool in women's MMA has undeniably grown, it still falls short compared to the men's divisions. The UFC faces difficulties in signing prospects with consistent winning records, making it challenging to inject new life into the women's bantamweight division.

The Future for Holly Holm

In conclusion, while it's possible that Holly Holm may earn another title shot before her career is over, her chances of reclaiming the women's bantamweight title are slim as long as Amanda Nunes reigns supreme in the division. Holm's best hope may lie in outlasting Nunes in terms of longevity, as the current champion's plans and career trajectory remain uncertain.

With her undeniable skill set, Holm remains competitive against other fighters in the division. She has the potential to defeat contenders like Giuliana Pena, Irene Aldana, and Caitlin Vieira. However, Nunes stands as a formidable roadblock in her path, and overcoming her would be a monumental task.

The women's bantamweight division is in desperate need of fresh faces and exciting talent. Until the UFC can address this issue, the division will continue to struggle to create captivating match-ups and regain the same level of enthusiasm it once had.

In the meantime, we can admire the resilience and determination of Holly Holm, a former champion who still proves herself daily. While her chances of regaining the title may be slim, her recent performance at UFC San Antonio has reignited interest in what she can bring to the women's bantamweight division. And who knows, with the right set of circumstances, she may surprise us all.