Holm-Rousey rematch in the works – UFC chief
UFC chief Dana White has hinted at a Holly Holm-Ronda Rousey II, saying the rematch is inevitable after the former pulled off one of the sport’s biggest upsets Sunday in the UFC 193 women’s bantamweight championship in Australia.
“Obviously, we don’t make fights the night of the fight, but the rematch makes a lot of sense,” said White in a UFC.com story. “The rematch is what people want to see.”
There were even early reports that the Holm-Rousey II will be set at UFC 200 slated on July 9 in Las Vegas at the city’s sparkling new arena. The UFC, however, has not set an official date or venue.
Holm used her world class boxing skills to neutralize Rousey’s judo and vaunted ground game, claim the bantamweight title and deal the former Olympic bronze medalist her first loss after 12 smashing wins.
Holm rocked Rousey with a left straight then sent the once mighty champion to the canvas with a vicious head kick.
It was Rousey’s first knockout defeat after 12 straight wins highlighted by eight submissions and four TKOs.
All but one of Rousey’s victories came in the first round.
The longest match Rousey had was a threeround submission of Miesha Tate in UFC 168 on Dec. 28, 2013. The loss also left Rousey emotionally crushed. “Obviously, she was completely bummed out and depressed,” said White of Rousey.
White added that Holm, a multi-division boxing champion, is the right fight for Rousey.
“Ronda had never faced anybody who uses the range and distance that she does. And Holly was the right fight. This woman has four times more fights than Ronda does. She’s been a world champion. This was the right fight,” said White.