Holly Holm is set to make her anticipated return to the boxing ring for a championship title fight nearly 13 years after her last bout at this level. On January 3, 2026, Holm will face current WBA women’s lightweight champion Stephanie Han in a match consisting of ten three-minute rounds. The announcement was made by Most Valuable Promotions, the promotion company with which Holm has signed following her departure from the UFC.
At 44 years old, Holm’s return to boxing comes after a significant hiatus. She marked her comeback in June 2025, defeating the previously undefeated Yolanda Vega by unanimous decision. That fight took place on the undercard of the high-profile event featuring Jake Paul against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.. This upcoming match against Han will be Holm’s second with Most Valuable Promotions, which has also signed Han, who joined the promotion in early 2025.
Holm, widely recognized for her impressive 16-fight career in the UFC, gained global fame for her stunning knockout of Ronda Rousey. However, her roots lie in boxing, where she built a Hall of Fame career prior to her journey in mixed martial arts. If victorious against Han, Holm would achieve the distinction of becoming a four-division boxing world champion, adding the 135-pound title to her accolades. To date, she has conquered titles in higher weight classes, including middleweight and super lightweight.
As for Han, the 35-year-old fighter enters the match with an undefeated record of 11-0. She successfully defended her title for the first time against Paulina Angel in August 2025. Outside of her boxing career, Han serves as a police officer in El Paso, Texas, showcasing her multifaceted life.
The announcement of Holm’s title shot has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, expressed his admiration for Holm on social media, highlighting her sustained success over 23 years. He noted, “If you told me at 19 while watching Holly Holm become a UFC champ that one day I would be promoting her in a boxing world title… LFG.”
The bout will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of a larger event headlined by Amanda Serrano, who will face Erika Cruz in a rematch for the WBO and WBA women’s featherweight titles. As anticipation builds for Holm’s return to the ring, fans and analysts alike are eager to witness whether she can add another chapter to her storied career.
