Holly Holm debuts against Raquel Pennington at UFC 181
Highly touted prospect Holly Holm finally has her UFC debut date, as she will face former "Ultimate Fighter" competitor Raquel Pennington at UFC 181 on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
UFC officials announced the new bout Thursday.
Holm (7-0) is considered one of the top rookies to debut in the UFC after going undefeated in her MMA career following a highly successful run as a professional boxer. Holm amassed a 33-2-3 record during her boxing career before hanging up the gloves and dedicating all of her time to MMA.
She's continued her winning ways since switching sports with a perfect record and TKO or knockout finishes in six of her seven pro bouts.
Now Holm will take a decided step up in competition as she debuts in the UFC against Pennington.
Pennington (4-4) was one of the most exciting fighters during her time on the reality show before debuting in the UFC with a dominant victory over former housemate Roxanne Modafferi last November. Pennington dropped her only other fight in the UFC to Brazilian Jessica Andrade by split decision after a back-and-forth war that lasted all three rounds.
Pennington will return in December hoping to end the hype surrounding Holm while also picking up one of the biggest wins of her young career.
UFC 181 is headlined by two title fights with welterweight champion Johny Hendricks taking on Robbie Lawler as well as lightweight champion Anthony Pettis defending his belt against Gilbert Melendez.
