UFC President Dana White appeared on Sports Illustrated’s SI Now program Thursday and stated right off the bat 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 like 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' Kevin Iole reported on Jan. 12 that she requested more time off from the cage.
During his SI Now appearance, White reasserted his belief that a rematch pitting Rousey against Holly Holm will be the “biggest fight in UFC history.”
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 considering Conor McGregor’s rise to prominence 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 White essentially guaranteed Rousey’s return, he was asked if he was concerned about Rousey perhaps not wanting 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 that he believes the best reason for Rousey to keep fighting is to avenge her loss to Holm. After how UFC 193 ended, she has plenty of work to do to close the gap against the reigning champion.
Standing in the way of Rousey's 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 hoping a revitalized and evolved Rousey shows up in her return to thrill the audience once more.
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