The UFC touched down in San Diego Wednesday night, as UFC Fight Night 71 came to audiences live from Fox Sports 1. Headlined by heavyweight standouts Frank Mir and Todd Duffee, the card was deep with prospects, as well as established UFC veterans.
On that card, WMMA star Holly Holm made her second appearance in the UFC when she took on rising star Marion Reneau. It was a bout that was billed high on the card and was considered a pivotal bout in the women’s bantamweight division.
Although it wasn’t the best fight or most competitive, Holm was able to secure a unanimous decision. She used a high volume of strikes, especially kicks, to overwhelm and eventually beat Reneau.
Holm‘s win pushes her up the ladder and opens up a lot of options for opponents. So, here are three women we could see Holm go up against going forward.
Germaine de Randamie
This has been a matchup I have called for since Holly Holm signed with the UFC. Nothing has changed, as I still want this fight to happen.
Holm is a world-champion boxer. De Randamie is a world champion muay thai kickboxer.
Two elite strikers going up against one another? Count me in.
If these two engaged and entertained a high-volume striking affair, this could be a Fight of the Night contender.
Jessica Andrade
Holm was victorious on the San Diego card Wednesday night. Jessica Andrade was also a winner on Wednesday’s card.
Just based on timing, these two could easily be matched up.
Although Andrade would be outsized by Holm in a potential showdown, that is nothing different than she’s used to. Just look at her Wednesday night fight against Sarah Moras, who she was way smaller than, to get a glimpse of how she can handle larger opponents.
The great thing about Andrade as a potential matchup for Holm? She will stand and bang with Holm, which is the American’s strength, but she will also look for an opportunity to fight on the mat.
That’s the question mark we still have on Holm, the ground.
Therefore, this match could be potentially made, especially seeing as Holm still has some work to do before title talk is made.
Liz Carmouche
If the UFC really wants to test Holm, they will throw her in the meat grinder with former title challenger and grinding wrestler Liz Carmouche.
Carmouche, known for her workmanlike style and completely opposite fighting style of Holm, would be a gigantic challenge for “he Preacher’s Daughter.
Yes, Holm still has some development to do. However, how can she get better if she doesn’t challenge herself?
That’s why Carmouche could play a great role in testing out Holm.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com