Dana White: ‘Ronda Rousey is bigger now after the loss than she was before the fight’
After Holly Holm delivered the shocking knockout loss via head kick to Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, both of their names were buzzing on the internet like nothing else in the world mattered. Facebook newsfeeds were filled with the same breaking news that the invincible Rousey had in fact been convincingly defeated. Now, UFC president is looking to turn that publicity into what could be the biggest rematch in UFC history.
White spoke on ESPN’s “First Take” about how Rousey’s loss made her an even bigger name.
“It’s crazy because you win and lose in the fight game; it happens,” White said. “It’s funny, because we were comparing her to (former heavyweight boxing champion Mike) Tyson, who had this invincibility. She was a Tyson. And it was never more true than when she lost – because when she lost, everybody was shocked. One hundred million people were talking about it on social media. And I actually think Ronda Rousey is bigger now after the loss than she was before the fight.”
While some have advised Rousey train more and get another fight before a rematch with Holm, White disagrees.
“I think that if we didn’t make the rematch, me and Lorenzo Fertitta (UFC CEO) should probably lose our promoter’s license if we didn’t make that rematch,” White commented regarding the fight. “That fight’s going to happen. I don’t know when, but that fight’s going to happen. Ronda Rousey has gone undefeated, taken the sport to another level and was beating the best women in the world in 14 seconds and 30 seconds. She deserves a rematch, and Holly deserves a rematch, and we’ll figure it out.”
While Rousey’s only announcement after her loss was that she would be taking an undisclosed time off from fighting, her intentions before losing at UFC 193 was to take a break and look to fight again at UFC 200, which takes place in July 2016.
The world will be waiting to hear what is next for Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. Even if you think the rematch makes complete sense or doesn’t, the fight is bound to catch your attention.
