The Aftermath of the Defeat of Ronda Rousey and the Subsequent Fallout in the 135lb Division
By Sly Peterkin, Real Combat Media MMA, Jiu jitsu & Judo Correspondent
Prior to UFC 193, Ronda Rousey was for the lack of better terms a runaway money train. She was a media darling, a marketing star, a former Olympic Judoka, an MMA force, and a modern day Matriarch for Womens Empowerment. Ronda Rousey was a modern day Juggernaut and a force to be reckoned with. She made Dana White eat his own words when he was asked over four years ago “When are we going to see women in the UFC?” White replied, “Never.” This was in large part because there didn’t seem to be a comparable draw to Gina Carano (back in 2009), who was soundly defeated by Cristiane “Cyborg” Justine. In 2011, Dana White took a chance at Ronda Rousey entering into the UFC. She was the reason why there is womens MMA in the UFC or as he said “we’re getting into women’s MMA. This is the Ronda Rousey Show.” Rousey became highly dominant in her craft, defeating most of her opponents in record time. Ronda eliminated her opponents with such ease that she was said to be a once in an era fighter. Possible mega matchups against now actress Gina Carano were in talks. Dana White said signing Ronda Rousey was the best decision he ever made. As late as September 2015, Dana White started to say that Rousey would be able to defeat men such as Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Ronda Rousey helped to mold womens MMA as she headlined UFC 193 as the main draw. UFC 193 broke all kinds of records and is a display of the dominant force that is the Ronda Rousey machine. Ronda Rousey is the highest paid fighter on the UFC roster, and the self-proclaimed “greatest fighter in the world.” Dana White was banking on the smooth running of money train that was created by the apparently unstoppable Ronda Rousey. A possibly carefully drawn out plan was put into place for a matchup with Cristiane “Cyborg” Justine. That was until the devastating second round knockout of Ronda Rousey at the hands or more specifically the feet of Holly Holm.
The landscape of womens MMA has now changed with the defeat of Ronda Rousey. Although a rematch is not out of the realm of consideration, the dominance that Holm brought forth cannot be forgotten. Dana White has suggested a July 2016 rematch between Holly Holms and Ronda Rousey at UFC 200. Is an immediate rematch the best decision for Ronda Rousey? Does Ronda Rousey need to take an immediate rematch against a dangerous undefeated opponent who until she fought Ronda Rousey had 100% takedown defense (the strength of Ronda Rousey)? If Ronda Rousey were to immediately face Holy Holm again and lost, what would it mean for her marketability? There is no question that her marketability would of course suffer tremendously as a result of another defeat. This could translate into millions of dollars lost for her and tens of millions of dollars lost for the UFC. The problem is that the first fight wasn’t even close; Holly Holm had a dominant game plan; which she executed flawlessly. Ronda Rousey was as a result of this fight hospitalized, and given stiches for a split lip. So the safe bet for Ronda Rousey and the UFC is to have her face lesser fighters with whom she can build back her confidence.
It could continue on the marketing train for an effective build up towards a blockbuster rematch with Holly Holm. Holly Holm though can be matched against numerous other fighters; fighters whom Rousey had previously defeated such as Cat Zingano, Alexis Davis, Miesha Tate, Sara McMann and Liz Carmouche. Since all are now all back in the running they can fight Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, or each other in a title eliminator. Fighters who Rousey hasn’t fought including Juliana Pena, Amanda Nunes (who dominated former contender Sara McMann), and Cristiane “Cyborg” Justine are in the running and available as well to fight Holm or Rousey. Cyborg Justino (former Strikeforce Featherweight Champion, and current Invicta Featherweight Champion) who was widely considered to be the best fighter in womens MMA until Rousey burst onto the scene would have been a great matchup for Rousey (until Rousey was knocked out but possibly still a good matchup). Holly Holm could lose against another opponent but her loss wouldn’t be as devastating as Rousey’s loss to Holm. It also shouldn’t affect the marketability for a rematch between Ronda Rousey and Holly Holm. A loss by Holly Holm to other fighters would simply widen the possibilities of potential matchups.
Ronda Rousey is undergoing a minimum 60 day medical suspension that could be as long as 6 months depending on the results of a cat scan. Current UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has suggested that Ronda Rousey take at least a year off to be able to attempt to deal with Holly Holms striking ability. Rousey has obvious flaws in her overall fighting game including poor footwork, inability to slip punches, her lack of kicking, and poor footwork that need to be addressed as well. Current UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has stated that there is a good possibility that Rousey might in fact retire from MMA and commit more time as an actress/entertainer (a la Gina Carano). We also must consider that we might never see a rematch such as the fictional fights of Tyson-Douglas 2, Ali-Foreman 2, or even Hagler-Leonard 2. There does exist a number of fighters who never came back after their first loss ever including boxing’s heavyweight champion Michael Sphinx. Rousey additionally has movie obligations, needs rest from her UFC 193 fight, and time to refresh/train both physically and mentally.
The field as we see it is wide open. The UFC has a lot of factors to consider in terms of its next step. Protect an established star? Run with a newer star? Build womens MMA via numerous tournament style matches? The field of possibilities is open but a strong cost benefit analysis with a bit of luck will be very helpful in determining the best route for everyone.
Syl Peterkin
Head Instructor at Revival Judo (www.judousa.co.nr)
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