Holly Holm honored as first UFC fighter to notch 50 clean drug tests

At a time when it seems we’re constantly reporting on athletes that fail to meet the standard for anti-doping in mixed martial arts, it’s refreshing to report on a fighter that is being honored for the opposite.

Former UFC champion Holly Holm recently became the first fighter since the UFC Anti-Doping Policy was initiated to complete 50 drug tests without incident.

“Holly Holm is the epitome of a leader and a role model. So to recognize Holly for her 50 tests, we’ve stepped our game up a bit,” UFC Vice President of Athlete Heath and Performance Jeff Novitzky said in a video on Twitter.

“We couldn’t be more honored and more excited to honor Holly Holm.”

Holm later posted on her Instagram account, acknowledging her accomplishment:

“I’ve been in sports my whole life and always loved the grind. It’s the grind that gives a feeling of accomplishment and it feels good to know you’ve pushed your limits. I’ve always felt the hard work also gave mental strength. And there’s a pride in knowing all accomplishments are from that passion and that grind. I never thought there was a count, but USADA stopped by Jackson Wink MMA and said I was the first athlete to have over 50 tests. Thank you USADA for your positive support and helping keep the sport clean. And thank you for my new spiffy jacket. I also know there are many organizations testing many athletes. Hats off to all the athletes putting that work in.”

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👏 Congrats @HollyHolm – the first UFC athlete to successfully complete 50 USADA tests without issue. pic.twitter.com/6kVzAql1PO

— UFC (@ufc) February 13, 2020

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I’ve been in sports my whole life and always loved the grind. It’s the grind that gives a feeling of accomplishment and it feels good to know you’ve pushed your limits. I’ve always felt the hard work also gave mental strength. And there’s a pride in knowing all accomplishments are from that passion and that grind. I never thought there was a count but USADA stopped by @jacksonwink_mma and said I was the first athlete to have over 50 tests. Thank you USADA for your positive support and helping keep the sport clean. And thank you for my new spiffy jacket. I also know there are many organizations testing many athletes. Hats off to all the athletes putting that work in. I’m also laughing at my photo looking like a kid on picture day but just focus on River…. she’s quite a cutie.

A post shared by Holly Holm (@hollyholm) on Feb 14, 2020 at 4:30pm PST