UFC San Antonio: Holly Holm Uses Wrestling in Win Over Yana Santos

Holly Holm and Yana Santos, UFC San Antonio
Holly Holm and Yana Santos, UFC San Antonio weigh-in Credit: Youtube/UFC

Holly Holm continued to prove that age is just a number at UFC San Antonio, effectively defeating Yana Santos in the co-main event.

UFC San Antonio’s co-main event featured the return of a female combat sports icon, Holly Holm, in a bantamweight bout with Yana Santos. The fight marked the end of a 10-month layoff for Holm, as she looked to get back into the win column with a victory over a former UFC title challenger.

And she did just that – in resounding fashion.

Holm was in control throughout the entirety of the latter two rounds following a closer first frame. Holm racked up nearly ten minutes of control time, transitioning from side control to top mount and back smoothly while raining down vicious ground and pound.

There wasn’t a single moment where “The Preacher’s Daughter” encountered any legitimate danger despite Santos’ best efforts. The strength of Holly Holm was too much for the normally strong Yana Santos, as the Russian could not keep Holm off of her.

Holm, 41, recently signed a new six-fight deal with the promotion, and will look to remain in title talks following a dominant showing after nearly a year away from the cage. The timeless contender and former champion proved once again that she is not to be forgotten.

Santos falls to (14-7) with the loss, and will likely pick this fight apart over the next few months in an attempt to correct some of her shortcomings against the legendary Holm.

Holly Holm def. Yana Santos by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27 x2)