Holly Holm shocked the mixed martial arts world when she dealt Ronda Rousey her first-career loss by second-round knockout at UFC 193 on Nov. 14, and fans may not have to wait long to see the two duke it out in a rematch.
According to the Los Angeles Times‘ Lance Pugmire, UFC president Dana White indicated Holm’s next fight is tentatively scheduled for July 9, when she’ll square off against Rousey in Las Vegas at UFC 200.
However, Holm’s camp has expressed skepticism Rousey will be primed to trade blows when the summer rolls around.
“I’m not sure Ronda will be ready for a July fight,” Holm’s manager Lenny Fresquez told Pugmire. “She took a severe beating and I don’t think it’s in her best interest to take the next fight so fast. They told me she’s been ready and cleared, but…”
Rousey was slapped with up to a six-month medical suspension after taking severe blows to the head in her loss to Holm, per MixedMartialArts.com, but the temporary ban can be lifted if a CT scan of her head turns up negative before the 180-day term expires. Either way, the medical suspension would be up by the time of the reported rematch.
Fresquez also told Pugmire he believes Holm would benefit from squaring off against the second-ranked Miesha Tate as the world waits for a rematch with Rousey.
“Holly’s used to staying active,” Fresquez said. “We’re from the old school and we believe the No. 1 contender is there for a reason. … [Tate] deserves a shot, but it’s not for me to decide.”
Fresquez reportedly told Pugmire he’s already received a proposal for the rematch with Rousey.
So while terms have yet to be finalized, it appears a Rousey-Holm sequel is inevitable at some point. The public is clamoring for the two to meet again, and the storylines are tremendously compelling.
Not only would a second act afford Rousey a shot at redemption after tasting defeat for the first time in her career, but Holm would have another shot to assert herself as the most feared presence the sport has to offer.
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