January 2016 - Follow-Up: Albuquerque Honors Holly Holm

On December 6th, 2015, Holly Holm was honored by the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico in a trolley parade and grand presentation held in Civic Plaza. Approximately 20,000 spectators gathered to hail the Albuquerque native, who defeated Ronda Rousey for the Bantamweight title. Both Mayor Berry and Governor Martinez presented Holm with an Executive Order proclaiming December 6th Holly Holm Day. Holm also received the key to the city.

“You here...Albuquerque made this possible,” said Holm. My career started here and it wasn’t just my team that helped me believe in myself, but the support of Albuquerque. Thank you so much.”

Mayor Berry shared that Holm earned her success as a role model for our community. “Holly’s morals and modesty, not just her fighting skills - in which she achieved her success, helped put our city on the map,” Berry said. “It really puts Albuquerque in the national spotlight. She was disciplined…and kept her eye on the prize.”

Desiree Gutierrez, a local Holm supporter, said female athletes have Holm as a hometown mentor, proving success is possible for anyone. “I think this opens many doors for females to get into mixed martial arts,” said Gutierrez. “Winning this fight and bringing the title home to Albuquerque gives us hope.”

During all of the praise, she never forgot where she came from. “I can have all the support in the world,” shared Holm. “If nobody’s in the stands watching, I don’t even have a job. I’m going through this parade and I’m crying. I love you guys!”