Former woman’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm had her hand-cast removed this week and if all goes well, she plans to fight again by the end of the year.
Holm, who injured her left hand and required surgery for her left thumb in August, most recently lost a decision to Valentina Shevchenko in July. Holm suffered the hand injury during the fight with Shevchenko, but still plans on fighting before the end of this year, according to Holm’s manager Lenny Fresquez:
“She had eight pins inserted into her hand. We’d still like to fight by the end of the year. As far as an opponent, we’ll have to see who comes up. Whoever she fights, Holly needs to take care of business.”
ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto reported on Friday that the surgery was a success and reaffirmed that she’s on track for fighting again before the year’s end.
Btw, I'm told the cast on Holly Holm's hand is off and she's back in gym. All goes well, still plans to get another fight in this year.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 23, 2016
Holm famously knocked out former champ and formerly undefeated Ronda Rousey back in November, 2015. Rousey hasn’t fought since the loss to Holm, while Holm has lost twice in a row, once to Miesha Tate and again to Shevchenko.
Meanwhile, Rousey is in talks for a possible title shot with newly minted champ Amanda Nunes and Shevchenko says she has signed a bout agreement with Julianna Pena.
@ufc decided to make fight between me and @VenezuelanVixen at #ufc205 I did my part and signed boutAgreement. Looks like she wants to escape
advertisement – continue reading below— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) September 22, 2016
Who would you like to see Holm face next? Sound off in the comments section, PENN Nation!