MMA fans may not have to wait long to see the already much-anticipated rematch between one-time undefeated champ Ronda Rousey and the woman who, with one swift kick to the side of "Rowdy's" head at UFC 193, shattered Rousey's illusion of invincibility, Holly Holm. UFC president Dana White spoke with Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times this week and revealed that Holm, the new bantamweight champ after knocking off Rousey in a shocking upset in Melbourne, will have to wait for Rousey, and that UFC 200 in July is the current target date for a rematch.
Holm's manager, Lenny Fresquez, told The Times that he received a proposal for the fight, which White confirmed earlier this week, but expressed concern over whether Rousey would be ready in time. He also made mention of Miesha Tate, the No. 1 contender for Holm's belt, and suggested that perhaps she deserved the next shot at Holm.
"I'm not sure Ronda will be ready for a July fight," Fresquez said, per 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 ... ."
It's certainly fair for Fresquez to wonder if Rousey will be ready in time. As part of an in-depth interview conducted with ESPN recently, Rousey made clear that she had suffered a significant physical toll as a result of her brutal knockout at the hands - and feet - of Holm.
"It might be three to six months before I can eat an apple, let alone take an impact," she told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Still, despite Rousey's unstable physical condition and uncertain timeframe for a return, White made it clear that Holm and Fresquez have no choice but to wait for the woman he considers "one of my very close friends" and a "powerful female figure.
"Ronda's never lost a fight," White said. "She will overcome it and be back."
