Ronda Rousey's next fight opponents have been narrowed down to three names: former professional boxer Holly Holm, former Strikeforce star turned actress Gina Carano, and current Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino.
While there is no scheduled date for Ronda Rousey's next fight, fans have been clamoring for the three aforementioned names as possible opponents. Out of the shortlist, only Holly Holm is the closest possibility so far, having already been signed by the UFC in July.
On Thursday, the reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion along with company president Dana White shed light on the matters regarding Ronda Rousey's next fight during the UFC Fight Night 48 media event in Macau, China.
Rousey, who is coming off a 16-second knockout victory against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Alexis Davis at UFC 175 in early-July, first expressed her excitement in facing Holly Holm.
"I'm so excited that Holly Holm got signed," said Rousey. "She's someone I've had my eye on for a while. She's a really exciting fighter. You don't see women that are world champion boxers knocking people out with headkicks very often."
Another name on the list is "Cyborg" Justino, who is seen by many as one of the biggest threats for "Rowdy's" title and undefeated record (10-0). But according to Dana White, the weight class to be fought at is the main issue.
"Cyborg is 'going to fight at 135 pounds,' apparently," White explained. "She's never fought at 135 pounds. She's gonna make the weight. Do it in Invicta. We'll see what happens and we'll go from there. [Rousey] does want this fight. I know people talk a lot of s**t like she doesn't but she does."
As for Gina Carano, while nothing has been made final between her camp and the UFC, Ronda Rousey is still hoping that the fight will happen sooner or later.
"You ever heard the saying, 'Work until your idols become your rivals'? It would really be a dream come true to fight Gina," Rousey said. "Not in a malicious sense. It's the highest form of respect that I could show to her, is to come and fight her and give her every single thing that I have."
