UFC President Dana White appeared on Sports Illustrated’s SI Now program and stated right off the top that Ronda Rousey will “100 percent” fight in 2016.
Early speculation was that the former champion was going to return at UFC 200. It seemed the logical returning point for Rousey as it should be one of the biggest cards in UFC history, but it will not happen. Yahoo Sports reported that she requested more time off from the cage
White reasserted the belief that a rematch with Holly Holm will be the “biggest fight in UFC history” during the appearance.
The UFC president also stressed that Rousey will remain the highest-paid UFC athlete upon her return regardless of losing the title. That is a strong statement with Conor McGregor’s comeuppance over the last year as a box-office draw. It shows how committed the UFC is to Rousey and the power of the mainstream attention she brings to the company.
While Rousey’s return was essentially guaranteed by White, he was asked if he was concerned if Rousey wouldn't want to return to fighting. He responded that he would be “cool with that” outcome as well.
The crossover superstar has movie projects in the works and will host an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. The former champion is expanding her brand in her absence from the UFC.
White told SI Now in the interview that he believes the best reason for her to keep fighting is to avenge the loss. After how UFC 193 ended, she has a lot of work to put in to close the gap against the reigning champion.
Standing in the way of the possible rematch for the title is Miesha Tate. The No. 2-ranked bantamweight contender will challenge Holm for the crown in the co-main event of UFC 197. If Holm is upset she will still be the one who knocked out Rousey, and interest will remain high for the fight. Would the UFC still pull the trigger?
As Rousey takes time off, the division will move forward, and the rematch with Holm gets pushed further back on the UFC’s schedule. Here’s to hoping a revitalized and evolved Rousey shows up in her return to thrill the audience.
