“She is one of the toughest individuals” – Legendary MMA trainer Greg Jackson reveals the toughest fighter he has trained
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Greg Jackson with Holly Holm
MMA coach Greg Jackson was recently all praises for Holly Holm. The legendary trainer believes she is one of the toughest people he has ever met. Holly Holm is a former UFC women’s Bantamweight champion. While she has done well for herself in the UFC, Holm also had a career in professional boxing. She is the only woman to win belts in both the UFC, and boxing.
Throughout her career in the UFC, Holly Holm has displayed incredible performances which even led her to championship gold. Known for her striking abilities, ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ has displayed immense toughness in the octagon. Recently, her long-time trainer Greg Jackson stood witness to this attribute of Holm.
Greg Jackson, of the Jackson Wink fame, had quite a few words of praise for Holly Holm. Speaking with Varun Bhat, on the Gloves Off with Varun series, he said, “She (Holly Holm) is one of the toughest individuals male or female I have ever met. I have watched her win fights with her arm broken in half. I have watched her with incredible injuries, injuries that would end fighter’s career. I have watched her fight and even if she loses those fights, they’re is still very close. So just mentally she is absolutely one of the toughest people I have ever met. She is unbelievably strong and can take pain like crazy. She is something else and I am always very impressed and very honoured to get to train her because her mental toughness is second to none”.
Holm shocked the world at UFC 193 when she defeated the then reigning bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, in only her third UFC fight in the promotion. When Varun Bhat questioned Greg Jackson about Holm’s victory, Jackson being one of the most influential characters in that win, gave his insight.
Greg Jackson reveals the game plan that made Holly Holm KO Ronda Rousey in one of the biggest UFC upsets
Holly Holm made her UFC debut in 2015 against Raquel Pennington at UFC 184. Not only did she win her debut, but ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ also won her next fight against Marion Reneau to earn a title shot against Ronda Rousey. Her championship match against Rousey went on to become one of the defining moments in her career. Despite coming into the fight as an underdog, Holm displayed toughness and managed to knock out Rousey in the second round.
When coach Jackson was asked to describe the night Holm knocked out Rousey, he said, “It was a very good night, we were very nervous. But, I was strangely calm I just felt we were prepared. Mr. WinkleJohn had really helped her to get ready. I thought a pretty good game plan”
Jackson also spoke about the strategy for Holm to beat Rousey. “We saw a little thing that she does when she with her left hand, she will reach up try to grab behind the back neck. So, we prepared for some of her major things like that and it went exactly as planned,” said the legendary coach.
Many consider Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey to be one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. But, after listening to Greg, fans can be certain that it was more than just an upset. It was hard work, mixed with faith that led Holm to defeating Rousey.
Also Read: “Skills he hasn’t showed yet” – Greg Jackson believes Tony Ferguson still has mileage to add to his LEGENDARY career
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Soumya Ranjan
(2167 Articles Published)