What's next for Ronda Rousey?
There was a time when the answer to that question seemed clear. Back when Ronda was in Strikeforce, we all assumed she'd sign with the UFC, fight a couple of people and then take on Cris Cyborg in a long-awaited grudge match.
We're still waiting and don't know if the grudge match is ever going to happen. There are times when it feels like it's just over the horizon, but most of us have become immune to hope when it comes to Rousey vs. Cyborg.
It gives us the same feeling we used to get when folks started talking about Randy Couture taking on Fedor Emelianenko. The same feeling we got when all those rumors of Brock Lesnar taking on Emelianenko began.
We had hope back then, too. It just didn't end up being worth much.
But even if Cyborg and Rousey do face off, it won't happen any time soon. Cyborg has yet to prove she can cut to 135 pounds; she'll likely get her chance later this year on an Invicta card. If she can make that cut once or twice, there's a good chance she ends up in the UFC next year. And once she is in the UFC, it is only a matter of time before she's standing across the Octagon from the UFC's biggest mainstream star.
But Rousey can't wait around on the sidelines forever. She'll be itching to get back in the Octagon before long, which means she needs an opponent. Today, I'm going to rank three ideal opponents for Rousey, from worst to first. I believe Rousey's next opponent will be one of these three women, and I'll tell you why I'd like to see it (and why it might not make sense).
3. Bethe Correira
Correia has the obvious natural storyline thing going. She has dispatched two of Rousey's teammates and seems intent on following her "Horsewomen Killer" gimmick all the way to the top. And that's exactly where it would take her, if only Rousey's teammates were any good.
I'm a fan of built-in storylines in mixed martial arts. It makes the sport more palatable and easier to sell. And writing about a fighter systematically beating each of the champion's opponents on her way to a title shot? That's an easy story. I can write about that.
But the truth is that Correia doesn't deserve a title shot yet, because beating Jessamyn Duke and Shayna Baszler should not be enough to earn you the shot. Baszler has been something of a pioneer in women's mixed martial arts, and she deserves credit for her role. But beating her shouldn't be enough to put you in the spotlight.
My idea: Match Correia up with Holly Holm whenever Holm is ready to make her debut. Holm might very well be a legitimate contender for Rousey's belt, but she'll need a win or two in front of UFC fans to justify her spot. And if Correia can beat her? Few will be able to say she's still undeserving of a title shot.
2. Cat Zingano
Yeah, I realize the next opportunity is likely going to go to Zingano. She earned her shot by beating Miesha Tate well over a year ago but lost it due to injury. After that, she went through a grueling year, including the tragic loss of her husband.
Needless to say, it has been a tough year for Zingano. But if she can beat Amanda Nunes in her return to the Octagon at UFC 178, she'll likely get to turn around and face Rousey in January or February. And I can't sit here and say she is undeserving; she did beat Tate, after all, and then Tate got the title shot anyway. She should be afforded the chance to go after what she earned in the first place.
But that said, I still don't buy it. Rousey vs. Zingano isn't a fight the casual fans will buy. I believe Rousey, much as she always has, wants the biggest fights available. Which means that until Cyborg comes along, there is only one real choice.
1. Gina Carano
I've come around to the idea of this fight, mostly because I believe it is inevitable.
Carano does not deserve a title shot. The UFC will attempt to tell you she does, and it is important you do not believe the promotion. Yes, Carano has done wonders for women's mixed martial arts. No, that does not mean she deserves a title shot after more than five years on the bench (and with a loss in her last fight).
But none of that matters. Deserving and undeserving have no place in this conversation. Not when it comes to Rousey vs. Carano. Because this is a fight that, when it happens, will transcend mixed martial arts. Folks who are not interested in fighting will call you and ask you for your thoughts. SportsCenter will run features on it. It'll be front and center of sports and entertainment dailies across the United States.
It will be a big fight. And big fights are what mixed martial arts needs, right now more than ever. Because of that, I'm fine with going this direction. In fact, I encourage it. Because pure sports and athletes might be the thing that keeps most of us around, but superstars are what pulls in the folks who don't watch all that often.
Rousey vs. Carano will do just that. And for that reason, it should be Rousey's next fight. Let's just hope the UFC is able to get the deal done.
