Dana White: Holm-Rousey rematch not a matter of if, but when
It appears the UFC isn't willing to risk the gobs and gobs of cash promised by a Holly Holm-Ronda Rousey rematch by having Holm defend her title in the interim.
Factoring in Rousey's multiple film commitments and necessary recovery time, many were suggesting Holm should stay active and take a bout against someone like Miesha Tate or Julianna Pena while waiting for Rousey to return to the Octagon.
Being the combat sports industry, nothing is guaranteed, and of course it would be in the UFC's best interest to have Holm sit on the sidelines until Rousey is ready to return.
"I think if we didn't make the rematch, me and (UFC CEO) Lorenzo (Fertitta) should probably lose our promoter's license if we didn't make that rematch," UFC president Dana White told ESPN's "Mike & Mike Show" on Thursday morning. "Yeah, that fight's gonna happen. I don't know when, but that's the fight that will happen."
According to White, Rousey deserves a rematch for all she accomplished before falling to Holm.
"Ronda Rousey has gone undefeated (before the Holm loss), taken the sport to another level, and was beating the best women in the world in 14 seconds and 30 seconds," White said. "So she deserves a rematch, Holly agrees she deserves a rematch, and we'll figure it out."
BTW, UFC official did confirm Dana has met with Rousey since loss. You'd assume they spoke about rematch before his comments today.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) December 3, 2015
HEADLINES
- Maple Leafs' Stolarz exits after collision with Panthers' Bennett
- Smith-Shawver takes no-hitter into 8th as Braves blank Reds
- Knicks storm back from 20-point deficit, take Game 1 vs. Celtics
- Reds' Callihan breaks forearm on catch attempt vs. Braves
- Man who fell to warning track at Pirates game takes 1st steps since accident