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Holly Holm Defends Ronda Rousey: “People Can Be Pretty Brutal”

Holly Holm
Holly Holm

Now that’s a good sport. After defeating Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 this past weekend, Holly Holm defended her outspoken opponent in a new interview on Monday, Nov. 16.

Holm upset Rousey’s undefeated winning streak this past Saturday in Melbourne, Australia, knocking out the MMA superstar in the second round of the fight. While Rousey had a lot to say prior to their fight — and celebrities had much to say about her trash-talking after the loss — Holm took the more grounded route on Monday night.

“I do think that I come from a more humble spot,” Holm, 34, told TMZ in a video interview. “[I never want] to say something and look like a fool.”

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Prior to her loss, Rousey made numerous public social media threats against her opponent, and even refused to touch gloves before their fight. “Fake ass cheap shotting fake respect fake humility bitch,” Rousey wrote on Instagram on the day of the fight, Nov. 14. “‘Preacher’s daughter’ my ass – I see through your fake sweet act now – you’re getting your ass kicked tomorrow, and I’m really going to enjoy the beating I give you #andSTILL.”

After Rousey lost, celebrities like Laila Ali, Lady Gaga, Donald Trump, and others blasted Rousey’s inflated ego. However, Holm was sympathetic in her talk with TMZ. 

Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm
Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm during their UFC 193 event on November 15

“I think people can be pretty brutal,” the winner acknowledged. “When you’re in the spot she’s in, there are people that are just going to jump ship and I don’t ever wish for that. I have a lot of respect for her.”

Holm, nicknamed “The Preacher’s Daughter,” is based in Albuquerque, N.M., where she trains at a local gym alongside other MMA stars. Like Rousey, she was also undefeated prior to their face-off in the ring this weekend, and nabbed the UFC women’s bantamweight championship title for herself.

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Following her big win, the combat athlete took to Instagram to celebrate her victory. “Best feeling in the world,” Holm captioned a photo of herself after the winning blow. “Still trying to process and take it all in. There aren’t enough words to express what I am feeling. Thank you @ufc for the opportunity and most of all thank you to my team for believing in me. All the hours in the gym and all the years of dedication to help me get to this moment. This is a priceless moment and I could not have done this on my own. @mmacoachwink its been 17 years and one hell of a ride. Let’s see where it goes from here! Greg Jackson and @izzystylewrestling … My transition to mma would not be possible without you. All of the coaching and teammates @jacksonwink_mma …… You are my family and love you all so much! I only hope to make you proud and be a good champion. And to all of my fans….. I would not be able to live the dream without you. Much love to you all!! Big hugs to everyone!”

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