Bethe Correia lasted twice as long against Ronda Rousey as Rousey’s previous two opponents, and that has apparently given the Brazilian fighter the impression that she can eventually get the best of the champ.
Correia, who was knocked out by Rousey in 34 seconds last Saturday, told Combate earlier this week that she envisions herself being the UFC women’s welterweight champion in 2016 — even if she has to take the belt from Rousey.
“I promise I will fight for the belt next year,” Correia said, according to a translation from Bloody Elbow. “In 2016, I want to write a different story. I want, above all things, to be respected. I want a triumphant return. I won’t accept ending 2016 without an UFC belt on my waist. Everything I want, I get. That will be my battle.
“If she still has the belt next year, I will meet her again. I will get that belt. I think Ronda will be dethroned and I hope I get to do it. Everybody loses at one point.”
At this point, it seems like the only chance Correia — or anyone else, for that matter — has of winning the UFC women’s bantamweight title is if Rousey gives up fighting and launches a full-time acting career.
Rousey’s next fight looks like it’s going to be against Miesha Tate, whom she has already beaten twice. There have long been rumblings that Rousey could fight Cris “Cyborg” Justino, but the latest developments with that don’t sound promising.
If nothing else, Correia will have to wait in line after getting KO’ed rather quickly.
