Holly Holm to perform at UFC on Fox 20

As you may know, the UFC is a huge business. UFC President Dana White is always looking for a way to do what’s best for business (sorry for stealing your line Triple H). That even means including high profile talent in non-PPV events. According to Fox Sports, White announced that former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm (10-1) will face Valentina Shevchenko on TV at UFC on Fox 20. The event will be on July 23^rd and it will be held at the United Center in Chicago.

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Holly Holm last fought at UFC 196, where she lost her Bantamweight Title to Meisha Tate. The upcoming show on July 23 will include other high profile fights like Anthony Johnson against Glover Teixeira and Edson Barboza against Gilbert Melendez. Her fight against Shevchenko will be the main event, which helps elevate Holm’s status as a drawing fighter.  It appears this move is an attempt to increase ratings and provide unique matchups. It could also keep Holm fresh for future fights.

Even though the fight is not on PPV, it is definitely not a downgrade for “The Preachers Daughter”. However, I do question the move given that Holm deserves a rematch against Meisha Tate sooner rather than later. One thing to take out of this is that it may be a test to see if Holm can handle anything thrown at her. Holm is still patiently waiting for a chance at Tate, rejecting a fight against Cristiane “Cyborg” Venancio. According to the Albuquerque Journal, in regards to wanting her desired fight against Tate, Holm stated:

“This one’s definitely a little more out of my hands. (In boxing), I knew that Lenny would give me the opportunity as long as I wanted it. This is a whole different situation. I really want that rematch, but I’m not the one with the title now. I’m not the one with the belt. So I have to be patient and wait for that opportunity to come.”

It is understandable that she wants that big challenge. Shevchenko should not be taken lightly though. The former kickboxer (2-0) and boxer (2-1) is 12-2 in her MMA career. This fight could be very interesting, seeing how Holm was known to be a successful kickboxer and boxer as well. Both fighters have something to prove, and their similar styles could mesh very well.

This July should be a big test for Holly Holm. It could also cement Shevchenko as a force to be reckoned with. With so many storylines heading into the event, Dana White is hoping everything will fall into place. I can’t wait to see what these two ladies have in store for the millions (and millions) of fans watching around the world.