Holly Holm (Photo : Photo: Twitter)
"She is a sweet girl," was how Ronda Rousey described her upcoming opponent at UFC 193, Holly Holm.
Indeed, it's the polar opposite of how the only UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion in history usually refers to her challengers.
To a certain extent, Holly Holm is the antithesis of a typical Ronda Rousey antagonist.
Holm's a former world boxing champion who brings her bible to her favorite coffee shop; an undefeated MMA fighter with a realtor's license; and a well-mannered person with the knack for homemade craft projects.
Yet, her polite and calm demeanor can quickly turn to a ruthless aggressor faster than an Edson Barbosa flash spin kick knockout.
"A fight is nothing out of an ill will or an evil heart," Holm shared. "It is just two people chasing a dream. You can't be champion without somebody else shooting for the same thing."
The 34-year-old continued: "There is a high amount of respect and love for everybody I get in there with. I feel like I can even relate to them a little more than somebody else because I feel we have similar passions and goals in life. I have all these great things in life but I think fighting is a beautiful thing too."
Holm understands the ins and outs of the fight game. She's been at the pinnacle of boxing greatness, and knows what it's like to defend championships. Now, she's entering a different world, one where she'll be on the other end of the spectrum.
Holly Holm recognizes that she's a huge underdog coming into her UFC 193 fight against Ronda Rousey. She has, however, a different mindset on the situation.
"I am not coming to try to last longer than Ronda's other opponents," she bared. "I am coming to win. (People) think I am not going to do it - I am going to try to prove you (all) wrong."
Holly Holm will get the opportunity of a lifetime this Saturday as she squares off opposite Ronda Rousey at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia for UFC 193.
