Holly Holm is responsible for one of the biggest upsets in UFC history after knocking out Ronda Rousey in her prime in UFC 193. This accomplishment, along with the hard work that went into it, was not lost on former UFC fighter Tim Kennedy. The army veteran considered himself blessed to have been in the company of so many talented female athletes and considers their dedication to being just as steadfast as their male counterparts.
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Tim Kennedy is one of the few individuals who served in the armed forces whilst simultaneously competing in mixed martial arts at the highest level. He holds notable victories over Roger Gracie and UFC legend Michael Bisping. He trained at the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque. It was there that he witnessed the journey of former Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm.
Holly Holm and her impressive win over Ronda Rousey
Women’s MMA wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey. The Olympic Judo medalist tore through every opponent she fought with relative ease before being the first female champion in the UFC. Subsequently, she would rag doll every female fighter that stepped into the octagon with her to set a then record of six title defenses. The face of women’s MMA looked to be near invincible until she stepped into the octagon with Holly Holm.
As the matchup began to unravel, it became immediately clear that Rousey had severely underestimated the striking prowess of Holm. She was out struck for large portions of the fight before being knocked out in round 2 by a picture-perfect roundhouse kick. Holm did what no other female in mixed martial arts could do before her, decisively beat the undefeated Rowdy Ronda Rousey.
Tim Kennedy’s inspiration from female fighters
Holm would train incessantly in preparation for her Rousey fight and would make many a sacrifice to dethrone the champ. Tim Kennedy was a first-hand witness to the dedication shown by female fighters in his gym and commented on the same.
“I have been so blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible athletes for so long. Holly Holm one of my teammates in Albuquerque, she knocked out Ronda Rousey to win the title and watching her train 3 times a day, watching these elite athlete women fighters put their lives aside their desire to start a family aside, and truly be the best athletes, not male athletes, not female athletes but just athletes on the planet”
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The Holms vs Rousey fight is a great underdog story and arguably one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. It is clear from Kennedy’s remarks that it also serves as an inspiration to male and female fighters alike of what it takes to compete in the highest level of combat sports.
