Prior to UFC 239, there wasn’t extensive talk about Holly Holm retiring anytime soon. But, following her stoppage loss to Amanda Nunes this past weekend, Dana White believes the legend should start considering what’s next.

Holm was tapped to challenge Nunes for the bantamweight title, as a result of her impressive, decision win over Megan Anderson last summer. Holm’s bid to reclaim the 135 title was quickly halted, however, by a Nunes’ head kick and follow up punches.

Well, after the event, White was asked to comment on Holm’s future, and here’s some of what the UFC President had to say (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“Listen, I don’t want to start going retirement crazy in here but she’s had an amazing career,” White said. “She is one of the sweetest human beings you can ever meet and if you follow her on Instagram, she trains like a beast. She’s almost 40 years old and she’s in ridiculous shape. The things that this woman can do physically with the rings and gymnastics and all that stuff is phenomenal.

“She’s an incredible athlete, an incredible human being. I don’t know. I think she needs to take a look at what’s next for her.”

“…I’m just saying that because I care about her as a person. She’s amazing. Something we should probably talk about.”

What’s noteworthy here is that White didn’t outright say he thinks Holm should retire, like he did, while discussing Luke Rockhold’s future after UFC 239. The loss on Saturday marked the first time in Holm’s MMA career that she had been stopped due to strikes. Rockhold, meanwhile, has been knocked out three times in his last four bouts and reportedly suffered a broken jaw in his loss to Jan Blachowicz.

But, at the end of the day, Holm is 37 now, and due to this most recent loss, her quest to reclaim the bantamweight belt has been set back significantly. The vaunted striker and decorated boxer has lost five of her last seven bouts. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if Holm closes the book on her remarkable combat sports career in the not so distant future.

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