The possible Holly Holm vs. Ronda Rousey rematch at UFC 200 is still very much in play. And the champ's coach, Mike Winkeljohn, hopes Rousey has the guts to step up for the rematch.
In an interview with Submission Radio, as transcribed by MMA Mania, Winkeljohn stated bluntly, “Let's have her fight, go fight whoever they give us. Show the world that it's not one-and-done with Holly Holm, that she can destroy the next person. And then, if Ronda has the guts to do it again, let's do it again for some big money.”
Early signs pointed to an early rematch between the two top-ranked bantamweights, including but not limited to UFC President Dana White suggesting he and Chief Executive Officer Lorenzo Fertitta should have their promoter's license revoked if they were to not sign an immediate rematch.
The champion had other ideas as she did not want to sit and wait for Rousey to finish up her many entertainment projects before a redo. And Bleacher Report's Jeremy Botter broke the news that she will not wait. Instead, Holm will face No. 2-ranked contender Miesha Tate at UFC 197 on March 5.
BREAKING: Multiple sources confirm UFC will soon announce UFC 197 for March 5 in Vegas with Dos Anjos/McGregor and Holm/Tate.
— Jeremy Botter (@jeremybotter) January 8, 2016
None of that removes Rousey from getting an immediate title shot upon her return, and should Holm be successful in her title defense, UFC 200 would seem like the logical choice to run that title tilt back.
Rousey is a mainstream success, and her star continues to ascend outside of the Octagon. Rousey recently booked a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live to add to her already-busy schedule. That level of outside interest, along with Holm's stunning knockout upset, only makes the rematch that much more enticing.
Does Rousey have “the guts”? Of course, the former Olympian does. As long as Holm retains the belt and comes out of UFC 197 unscathed, you should pencil in this blockbuster for the UFC's biggest show of 2016.
UFC 200 is scheduled to take place on July 2 at the brand-new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
