Holly Holm: If Ronda Rousey wants a rematch, I'll give it to her
Holly Holm is barely four days removed from her title fight victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, and she's already prepared to offer the former champion a rematch if that's what Rousey wants.
"If she wants the rematch and they put it together, you've always got to give the rematch," Holm said to Bomani Jones on ESPN radio. "That's just how it goes. I've been on the other end of it before. I've been knocked out and I got to be able to get a rematch and avenge my loss. I know I was glad to have that opportunity and if you're a real champion, you're going to do that, you're going to give them the rematch.
"Of course, I'm going to train even harder and better for the next fight ‘cause I know she'll be coming back swinging."
Holm celebrated immediately following the knockout, then rushed to Rousey's side to make sure she wasn't seriously hurt. Rousey suffered a cut lip, which sent her to the hospital to receive cosmetic surgery, and a possible concussion.
"I don't ever want anybody to be hurt walking out of there," Holm said. "I definitely want to win, but I just don't want anybody to be permanently hurt."
Holm hasn't had a day to rest since winning the belt; as the new bantamweight champion, she's taken on all the media obligations and appearances that come with the job.
Chances are Holm won't get a ton of down time once she returns home to Albuquerque, New Mexico, either, and her first title defense probably will creep around the corner faster than she expects.
All signs are pointing towards Rousey getting an automatic rematch, but with the former champion taking some time off, plus committed to star in a film in the first quarter of 2016, the second fight may not happen until UFC 200 in July.
If the UFC opts for another opponent, Miesha Tate is the No. 1 contender waiting in the wings, and the UFC could have her fight Holm for the belt and still have the winner fight Rousey later next year.
It doesn't matter much to Holm, who is happy to face Rousey, Tate or whoever the UFC deems the next contender.
"Either way," Holm said about the options. "My entire career I've never exactly picked when I'm going to fight or who I'm going to fight. I just try to take advantage of the opportunities that are put in front of me, so if they say it's now, fine. If it's in a little bit, that's fine. Whatever they throw at me."
