Ronda Rousey may not get the first crack of the UFC’s second ever bantamweight champion.
Holly Holm has graciously accepted that Rousey should get a rematch, following her devastating UFC 193 loss, but she may defend her newly acquired belt before that.
During an interview with ESPN Radio, Holm said she would be happy to step into the octagon with Rowdy again.
Holm commented, “If she wants the rematch and they put it together, you’ve always got to give the rematch. That’s just how it goes.
“I’ve been on the other end of it before. I’ve been knocked out and I got to be able to get a rematch and avenge my loss. I know I was glad to have that opportunity and if you’re a real champion, you’re going to do that, you’re going to give them the rematch.”
“Of course,” Holm added, “I’m going to train even harder and better for the next fight ‘cause I know she’ll be coming back swinging.”
Fans getting their hopes up of Rousey Holm II at UFC 197 (March) or 198 (April) may be disappointed.
At present, Rousey is provisionally suspended from fighting for six months. That may well be reduced should the former champion pass the necessary medical tests.
However, Rousey is due to go into filming for a feature film [working title Roadhouse] and has spoken of taking an extended break from action. She could well return for UFC 200 next July, which is slated for new, 20,000-capacity Las Vegas Arena.
Current UFC men’s light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier believes Rousey will need a year away from MMA if she is to make the drastic improvements necessary to retake her crown and re-establish her dominance in the sport.
It appears likely, then, that Miesha Tate may get the first crack at Holm.
Holm said, “If they say [a rematch] is now, fine. If it’s in a little bit, that’s fine. Whatever they throw at me.”
If the champ can retain her belt, Dana White will pull out every last stop to get Rousey back for UFC 200.
