Don’t Count Rousey Out Just Yet
UFC 207 was an event to remember, featuring the great Ronda Rousey. Rousey, widely considered as the best women’s bantamweight of all time, lost in a lopsided affair to new up-and-comer Amanda Nunes. The fight lasted about as long as most Rousey fights do, however, this one had the opposite result. The first punch seemed to wobble Rousey, as she was never able to land substantial shots on the Lioness.
It only took 48 seconds for Nunes to completely demolish Rousey. Nunes landed crisp combinations that left Rousey unable to move forward. As soon as the first shot landed, Rousey looked flustered and abandoned her game plan. Rousey looked like a shell of the intimidating champion she once was. While many people think that this is the end of her UFC career, I think there is one more battle that she must fight.
At UFC 193, Rousey lost by a violent head kick from Holly Holm. Holm’s knockout was the biggest upset in UFC history. However, since that career-defining knockout Holm’s career has been in a sharp downward spiral. She lost to Miesha Tate (who has since retired) by submission and got pummeled by Valentina Shevchenko.
Her recent losses raised questions about The Preacher’s Daughter’s career. The UFC decided to create a women’s featherweight division and named Holly Holm the first title challenger for that division. Last night, Holly Holm went up against Germaine de Randamie in the inaugural featherweight championship match at UFC 208 and lost via unanimous decision. For Holm, there is only one other fight that makes sense. A rematch of UFC 193, the fight that changed the women’s bantamweight division forever.
Holm’s loss at UFC 208 puts her and Rousey at a crossroads in their respective careers. Holm desperately needs a win now to save her legacy, while people doubt Rousey will ever fight again. However, this fight would definitely come with consequences. Another loss for either fighter would likely cause retirement or a release from their UFC contract. Despite that, a rematch would generate a lot of money for the UFC and would create a lot of hype. This fight could headline a Fight Night or be a main card on a pay per view. Now that Holm lost to de Randamie, this is a fight that Dana White must book.
