Ronda Rousey may be the UFC's biggest villain right now because of her nasty demeanor and refusal of sportsmanship toward vanquished rival Miesha Tate in her last match, but she is also one of the company's biggest attractions.
That is why she's going to be back in the Octagon on February 22nd at UFC 170 just about two months after a rather rough battle with Tate. That is also why plans are being made for her next fight beyond Sara McMann in Vegas on the 22nd.
According to reports, Invicta featherweight champion Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino could be in line for a crack at MMA's most wanted woman, even though she fights for another promotion.
"[Invicta] is a relationship we want to continue for a long time, and Shannon's been so great to us," Justino's co-manager George Prajin said. "But contractually, [Justino vs. Rousey] could happen in the fall. And to be honest, I think if the UFC offered the fight, I don't think Shannon would stand in the way. I think she'd be very supportive, and even if she were contractually bound, I think she would allow Cris to fight Ronda in the UFC. I know that for a fact."
While that is a matchup that would have fans and haters of Rousey drooling, she must get by McMann, a very talented fighter in her own right. Rousey's said she has respect for McMann and hasn't even talked her signature trash.
Earlier this month Rousey seemed relieved to be promoting a bout that focuses on the skills of both fighters rather than their personal beef. "It's hard to sell the same thing over and over and over," Rousey said. "I think the dynamic of the [UFC 170] fight is so different that it makes it easier to get people interested so soon. I approach every single fight differently. I think this is the perfect fight at the perfect time.
"I couldn't be more excited than to have an athlete on Sara's level to test myself against. It raises the whole level for everyone. I don't have a bad thing to say about her."
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