What’s next for UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey? Aside from small roles in a few Hollywood films, we’re not really sure. Thankfully, UFC commentator Joe Rogan says something intriguing could be on the horizon.
Speaking with KROQ’s Kevin & Bean Show Friday morning in Los Angeles, Rogan was very quick to dismiss the hosts’ claims that Rousey is now left without a legitimate challenge to her title.
“Oh, you’re so incorrect,” said Rogan. “I wish I could tell you what I know. I wish I could tell you. I know some secret stuff. I know some secret stuff, but I can’t tell you.”
Rousey, of course, most recently stunned fellow undefeated Olympian Sara McMann with a first round TKO in their Feb. bout at UFC 170. Specifically in regard to an opponent, Rogan says it could be a name we’re all familiar with.
“You might actually know, but I can’t tell you,” claims Rogan. “I can say no more than I’ve already said. I will tell you this, and this is a KROQ exclusive, within the next probably week or so a huge announcement will come about women’s fighting and I’ll be back in [the studio] and we’ll talk some more. It’s going to be crazy. Madness. I wish I could [talk about it now], but I would betray the confidence of my friend and employer.”
Interesting, considering the booking of Rousey’s next two likely opponents, Alexis Davis and Cat Zingao, would be anything but ‘madness.’ Although Zingano earned a shot at Rousey back in Apr. 2013 with a win over Miesha Tate, she’s been unable to cash it in as she recovers from injures to both knees. Davis, who scored a somewhat controversial split decision over Jessica Eye at UFC 170 could be next, but mostly due to a lack of other options.
As for some wildcards, how about two women not even under UFC contract? Women’s boxing champion Holly Holm is currently booked to compete for Legacy FC Apr. 5 in her hometown of Albuquerque, N.M., but has long been a target of the UFC. A women Dana White once referred to as ‘the female Conor McGregor,’ Holm claimed she was close to signing with the promotion late last year. “We’re just waiting for the UFC to make the right deal, and we’re ready to go,” Holm said back in December.
The other longshot, would be, of course, Cristiane Justino. In addition to being under contract with Invicta FC, ‘Cyborg’ is currently booked to fight for the inaugural Lion Fight welterweight title in Las Vegas, NV on Mar. 28. While neither of those facts are really much of a hinderance, the fact that Justino has never made weight at 135 pounds certainly is.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
90 days. Vitor Belfort’s doctor says ‘The Phenon’ will need 90 days for his body to adjust coming off TRT and resuming his training.
Milestones and footnotes. Fight Metric breaks down this weekend’s TUF China Finale by the numbers.
No subs? A few of the UFC’s prominent Brazilian jiu jitsu players chime in on the decline of submission finishes.
PPV co-main, anyone? Everything went Bellator’s way Friday night as Quinton Jackson will now eventually face ‘King’ Muhammed Lawal sometime this year.
Fightweets. Dave Dolyle answers your questions on all of MMA’s recent happenings.
MEDIA STEW
Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler prepping ahead of UFC 171.
More from Gilbert Melendez on how his new deal came together.
In case you missed the ‘scuffle’ between Rampage Jackson and King Mo.
Just another weekend for Paul Daley.
Rampage Jackson thinks Dana White had something to do with a Roy Jones Jr. fight never coming together.
Ryan Jimmo won a sword at NAGA, did the robot dance.
Long watches.
Fight Night Macao: Post-fight Press Conference
TWEETS
Vitor talk.
I want to apologize to all my fans that have been let down by the news of me not competing in the… http://t.co/u1eMJQ5Gez
— Vitor Belfort (@vitorbelfort) February 28, 2014
If I ever have to have my doctors and lawyers speak for me I’m going to quit fighting. #TRT
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) March 1, 2014
@arielhelwani Irs because the whole thing was bullshit to start with. He failed his test, you know it, I know it, we all know it.
— michael (@bisping) February 28, 2014
@arielhelwani you either need it or you don’t, before he needed it, now he says he doesn’t. Ridiculous. BS
— michael (@bisping) February 28, 2014
@arielhelwani it’s just like when dan Henderson fought rashad without it. If it’s a medical condition (lol) you can’t choose when u want it
— michael (@bisping) February 28, 2014
@arielhelwani how the hell is it not relevant. If I was tested and it was clean, I’d tell you. He failed, cheating scumbag, hypocrite.
— michael (@bisping) February 28, 2014
The Highlander effect.
Look who I bumped into at the Arnold Classic. Excited for our fight. #ufc173 http://t.co/aMMlySx4nv
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) March 1, 2014
Look Who I saw at the Arnold’s my next opponent!Olha quem eu encontrei na feira do Arnold!! @ Arnold… http://t.co/A3VcsKkvQ3
— Lyoto Machida (@lyotomachidafw) March 1, 2014
and another weird one.
Coincidence or was this meant to be?? Flight to Arizona next to the homie ryanbader http://t.co/WvZQtYttXL
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 1, 2014
Quite possibly the worst Arnold impression of all time. (Here)
There’s an awesome video of me and Arnold Schwarzenegger meeting earlier today!! check it out on my Instagram! @JonnyBones
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) March 1, 2014
The man wants a shot.
Dana please give me the Big Fight! I’ve been training my whole life for this @danawhite @ufc @seanshelby pic.twitter.com/9Vwsa71xHi
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) March 2, 2014
Nice win for Page.
I just wanna thank all my fans (friends) that still ride wit me and all my coaches and sparing… http://t.co/WnJ0FwDRrT
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) March 2, 2014
A few more good ones from The Arnold.
Not everyday can you get a picture with @HammerHouseMMA and Don Frye pic.twitter.com/Fo7ND7qIcs
— Matthew Brown (@IamTheImmortal) March 1, 2014
Ya never know what ur gonna find at the #arnoldclassic @urijahfaber @torque1net #strongbeard #jealous http://t.co/7MusY0t8km
— chad mendes (@chadmendes) March 1, 2014
Sounds good.
A new chapter is begining…Literally. I started my autobiography today. Boy I have some stories to tell!!!
— Chris Leben (@cripplerufc) March 2, 2014
In the gym, hard at work. Probably NSFW.
You just lost your job my friend !! @bostonsalmon http://t.co/HTpo14sqS6
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) March 2, 2014
Behind the scenes with @fitnessgurls and @lhgfxphoto http://t.co/4VAJ7JIaMW
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) March 2, 2014
And now, a little grappling.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Feb. 28-Mar. 2 2014)
Akira Corassani vs. Dustin Poirier at TUF Nations Finale
Michael Chiesa vs. Francisco Trinaldo at UFC 173
Lorenz Larkin vs. Constantinos Philippou at UFC Fight Night 40
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via Da Headbanger.
What We NOW Know About TUF China Finale Main Card… And What Should NOW Be Done
I totally admit it. I’m embarrassed. I went 2-6 on this card. My pride is very much wounded at this point. I thought I had been doing a solid job. Not great, but solid. Then this card decides to come around and kick me square in the balls. Oh well. Not much I can do now. Just own up to it I guess. The only consolidation I have is that the card was full of upsets and though I’m sure everyone did a better job in their picks than me, I don’t think it was that much better.
There wasn’t a single household name on the card, but that doesn’t mean that there wasn’t fighters worth mentioning. Dong Hyun Kim established himself as a legitimate name to throw around for title contention in the welterweight division with his second straight devastating KO and Matt Mitrione and Hatsu Hioki ended (hopefully) a recent losing spell for the both of them that could have put them on the unemployment line had they fallen short. Oh yeah, there was the TUF China welterweight final that ended with a close but controversial decision. Considering the idea of the show was to generate interest for China in MMA, this could have some backlash as judging matters have been known to upset more than a fan or two. Lets hope it doesn’t derail interest there.
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Check out the rest of the post here.
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