Holly Holm doesn't want to sit around and wait for Ronda Rousey recover, not with better opponents available.
That's what Holm's manager, Lenny Fresquez is saying, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Ronda Rousey Says Fight With Holly Holm Was Over In First 30 Seconds
Fresquez said he wants the new UFC women's bantamweight champion to make her first defense against Miesha Tate, currently ranked No. 2 in the division (Rousey is serving a six-month medical suspension and is not on the list).
"We'd like to fight Miesha," Fresquez told The Times. "We understand there are risks, but Holly's a dominant champion, and she wants to fight the best. Right now, Miesha is the best.
"Holly's used to staying active. We're from the old school, and we believe the No. 1 contender is there for a reason. ... [Tate] deserves a shot, but it's not for me to decide."
Ronda Rousey's Confidence Far From Healed After Loss To Holly Holm
According to Fresquez, the UFC has told him that no open dates are available for Holm's first title defense before July -- not coincidentally when the proposed rematch with Rousey would take place.
If that's true, the UFC naturally would want to protect its potential massive payday with the rematch, but it would be doing a disservice to Holm by refusing her the opportunity to stay sharp.
It's doubtful the UFC would force Rousey, if she were still champion, into an eight-month layoff between fights. Which means that while Holm may be champion, Rousey's still driving the sport. Fresquez wondered aloud whether Rousey would even be ready by July to step back into the ring with Holm.
"I'm not sure Ronda will be ready for a July fight," Fresquez said. "She took a severe beating, and I don't think it's in her best interest to take the next fight so fast. They told me she's been ready and cleared, but... "
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