Ronda Rousey deserves a rematch with Holly Holm after Holm's surprising victory late Saturday in Melbourne, Australia, UFC's leader said Sunday.
Dana White, the Ultimate Fighting Championship president, said he'll pursue a rematch between his former champion and the still-unbeaten Holm, who stands as the first-ever boxing and UFC champion.
"A rematch is what a lot of people want to see," White said after Holm (10-0) knocked out Rousey (12-1) early in the second round with a devastating left kick to the head that rendered the former champion briefly unconscious. "Obviously, biggest upset ever. When you look at how Ronda is revered — baddest woman on the planet — definitely.
"The rematch makes a lot of sense."
Holm, a former pro kickboxer, knocked Rousey out 59 seconds into the second round.
"The fight went down the way I thought it could go down," White said. "That's the way I expected Holly to fight. Obviously, I thought Ronda would have more answers."
White said he had planned for Rousey to next fight at UFC 200 in July. She's involved in a film project, starring in Patrick Swayze's former bouncer role in a remake of "Roadhouse." Rousey has earned an immediate rematch if she wants it, White said, but he wouldn't commit to a date.
"I don't think there's any rush," White said. "She still has a movie to film, doing all the things she has to do before she fights again. I wouldn't expect her back any time soon."
Rousey, a former judo Olympian, was attempting her seventh title defense. Instead, Holm, a 34-year-old veteran female boxer from Albuquerque, N.M., has the championship belt.
"There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but it was all worth it," Holm said.
Rousey left the stadium to receive treatment for a concussion and facial cuts at a hospital and didn't attend the post-fight news conference.
"Obviously she's completely bummed out and depressed," White said.
Ever the promoter, White saw it as a special day.
"Tonight was one of those moments," White said. "These are the moments in fighting that make it so crazy and so fun. Tonight was one of those moments."
Denver hosts Miller and St. Thomas
