By IMMAF.org lead writer, Jorden Curran Sweden’s Cornelia Holm completed her eagerly awaited professional debut last October, at Cage Warriors 87 in Wales, grinding out Portuguese striking specialist Diana Filipa to secure maximum points for a unanimous decision victory. The amateur sensation is the former pound-for-pound queen of Amateur MMA, a two-time European Open champion and 2016 IMMAF World Championships gold medalist at bantamweight, in addition to earning the European Open silver medal as a featherweight in 2015. Holm rose to prominence with multiple IMMAF titles and wrapped up her amateur career on an undefeated streak spanning a busy two years of competition across 2016 and 2017. Subsequently, she was the latest IMMAF graduate to be marked as one to watch as she targeted the pro ranks. Holm earned a standout reputation ahead of her pro debut, based on years of representing Sweden at the highest amateur level. With the Cage Warriors promotion announcing its first ever Swedish event for April 28, in Holm’s home town of Gothenburg, the 29-year-old seems to be an obvious pick for the card. However, Holm’s work has not only captured the attention of promoters, fans and media, but also that of would-be opponents, namely Malin Hermansson: a fellow Swede and striking enthusiast who made her own pro debut with a split-decision win over former IMMAF champion Gabriella Ringblom, on December 2, under the banner of domestic promotion, Superior Challenge. Shortly after, Hermansson called out Holm following the announcement that MMAViking.com had listed the amateur trailblazer as Scandinavia’s no.1 flyweight, with Hermansson in 2nd place. “At First I thought it was really lame of her,” Holm expressed. “None of us, definitely not her, is at a level where call-outs are needed. Both of us got only one pro fight, but you know: a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, to be seen and heard, so I kinda respect it. “For sure, she wants to use my fame. It’s a way for her to get my attention and get a spot on the Cage Warriors card in Gothenburg, I guess. She seems like a smart girl, in that regard. Wanting to match up against me though, not that smart. But it’s a good fight and now it’s a bit hyped so I hope it’ll happen!”]]>
'I hope it happens': Cornelia Holm responds to being called out and why it's no surprise
