Dana White may be Ronda Rousey’s boss in the public eye, but Invicta fighter Jessica Philippus isn’t so sure the same holds true behind closed doors.
During an appearance on MMA DieHards Radio, Philippus talked about fighters who could potentially dethrone UFC women’s bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey.
The usual suspects, Sara McMann and Miesha Tate, were discussed in-depth, but things got interesting when Invicta women’s featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos’ name was brought up:
I honestly don’t think you’ll ever see Cyborg versus Ronda, mostly because Dana loves Ronda. I just don’t think it’s going to happen. … Personally, I think they’re dating or something, like it’s just weird. I hope that doesn’t get me in any trouble. I just think that Ronda’s his baby because that was the chance he took. I think that, not necessarily Dana, but I think that the UFC is going to try to protect that and build that up as long as possible.
It’s no surprise the UFC hasn’t been knocking down the door for a catch weight bout between Cyborg and Rousey.
There simply isn’t enough talent at 145 pounds to adopt Cyborg’s services along with the entire women’s featherweight division. Rousey is one of the biggest stars, male or female, in all of MMA. From a business perspective, it makes little sense to risk her losing to a fighter who isn’t even a part of the UFC roster.
As for the dating rumors, the MMA community has taken several swipes at Rousey and White whenever pictures emerge of them out and about. This hardly proves anything beyond friendship, seeing as White is known for hanging out with his employees from time to time.
He recently took UFC newcomer Conor McGregor out for a ride on the Vegas strip in his Ferrari.
The rumor mill will always be churning when you remain in the limelight as much as White. It’s nearly impossible for any celebrity to hang out with a member of the opposite sex without receiving the elementary school treatment. Dana and Ronda sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i…
Or perhaps they’re just sitting.
Jordy McElroy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMAwriter for Rocktagon Worldwide.
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