Holly Holm challenges WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han tonight in a co-main event heavyweight boxing showdown. The legendary former UFC champion looks to continue her successful combat sports comeback and join an elite four-division world champion club. This prime-time match could rewrite women’s boxing history at Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Holly Holm fights for the WBA lightweight title on January 3, 2026 against defending champion Stephanie Han
- Holm, 44, holds a boxing record of 34-2-3 with 9 KOs after returning from a 12-year hiatus from boxing
- Stephanie Han remains undefeated at 11-0 with 3 KOs and claimed the WBA title with a devastating first-round knockout in February 2025
- The co-main event airs live on DAZN at 8 p.m. ET with ring walks around 10 p.m. ET from Puerto Rico
Holly Holm’s Legendary Combat Sports Journey Reaches New Heights
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
Holly Holm stands alone in combat sports history as the only athlete to become a legitimate world champion in both professional boxing and the UFC. The Albuquerque native famously knocked out Ronda Rousey with a signature head kick in 2015, revolutionizing women’s mixed martial arts forever.
Before her legendary MMA tenure, Holm was already a three-division boxing world champion known for her precision striking and efficient footwork. She defended her titles 18 times across three weight classes and earned two-time Ring magazine fighter of the year honors.
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Her comeback run began last June when she returned to boxing after a 12-year absence, outpointing Yolanda Vega in a dominant unanimous decision that showcased her still-sharp skills. Tonight’s title challenge against Han marks only her second bout since returning, yet she enters as a heavy favorite at around -188 odds.
Stephanie Han’s Undefeated Rise and WBA Dominance
At just 35 years old, Stephanie Han has built an impressive resume as El Paso’s professional boxing elite. The 2025 champion par excellence turned pro in 2021 and quickly established herself as one of women’s boxing’s most compelling rising stars.
Han’s breakthrough moment came in February 2025 when she dethroned the previous champion with a stunning first-round knockout of Hannah Terlep to claim the WBA lightweight title. She followed that victory with a unanimous decision defense against Paulina Angel in August, proving her championship credentials against quality opposition.
Working as a police officer for the El Paso Police Department outside the ring, Han brings professional discipline and focus to boxing. Her sister, Jennifer Han, is a former IBF featherweight champion, making the family one of boxing’s notable dynasties.
Technical Matchup Analysis and Ring Styles
| Factor | Holly Holm (44) | Stephanie Han (35) |
| Record | 34-2-3, 9 KOs | 11-0, 3 KOs |
| Style | Efficient jab, footwork, counters | Inside pressure, aggressive inside work |
| Ring Advantage | Experience, ring savvy, defense | Speed, active recent competition |
| Odds | -188 favorite | +175 underdog |
Holm’s boxing masterclass against Vega last year revealed her ability to control fights from distance with a steady jab, precise footwork, and devastating counterattacking. Her 13-year age advantage brings decades of championship experience across multiple sports.
Han thrives when bringing the fight inside, unleashing heavy-handed combinations in tight exchanges. However, DAZN analysts note she can become erratic when overcommitting, a vulnerability Holm’s sharp counterstriking could exploit throughout the 10-round bout.
The Path to Glory: What’s at Stake Tonight
Victory would make Holm only the second or third legitimate women’s fighter to claim four-division world championships in boxing history. For Han, stopping a living legend would elevate her profile into superstardom and cement her status as one of women’s boxing’s dominant forces.
The winner could position themselves for showdowns with Katie Taylor or stay at lightweight to build their legacy. Holm has publicly expressed interest in facing Taylor in a potential mega-fight, while Han would join an exclusive circle as an undefeated champion who defeated a living legend.
Both fighters are promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), adding compelling storylines to their clash. This co-main event precedes the Amanda Serrano vs. Reina Tellez featherweight title main event, making it a star-studded fight night for women’s boxing enthusiasts.
Will Holm Make History Against the Rising Challenger Tonight?
Holly Holm enters as the clear favorite with her extraordinary championship pedigree and polished comeback performance. Yet Stephanie Han remains undefeated for a reason—she possesses the youth, speed, and inside firepower to overwhelm even the most experienced opponents.
DAZN News gave Holm the technical edge across boxing style, power, and mental warfare, citing her comeback sharpness and legendary ring IQ. However, Han expressed during press conferences that defeating Holm would validate her entire sacrificial journey to the championship.
The matchup represents everything women’s boxing fans crave: generational clash, legendary credentials versus rising excellence, and unpredictable outcomes. Ring walks arrive around 10 p.m. ET, with global viewers accessing the action exclusively on DAZN. Will the combat sports icon capture her fourth world championship, or will the undefeated champion prove her reign just beginning?
Sources
- DAZN – Fight analysis, edge assessments, and technical breakdowns
- Forbes – Fight card details, odds, fighter backgrounds, and broadcast information
- ESPN/Ring Magazine – Fighter records, championship histories, and ring statistics

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.

