Now that Ronda Rousey has run through all the competition in the UFC, organization boss Dana White is looking outside the promotion to bring in more potential opponents. During the week he announced the signing of boxer/kickboxer Holly Holm. Next week he plans to add Gina Carano to the roster.
“One down, one to go,” White told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto of his plans to add challengers to Rousey. “I’m going to meet with Gina next week and get that f—ing thing done. Next week, man.
“It’s just a matter of me and Lorenzo going to jump on a plane to Los Angeles, get in a room with her and her lawyer and get this thing done.”
Carano (7-1) moved on to a movie career after losing to Cyborg Justino in 2009 and has not fought since then. White says Gina has an interest in fighting (Carano has said she’s interest in a return) and facing Rousey and that it’s just a matter of agreeing on a contract.
Though Carano’s ability to challenge Rousey is in question, there is little doubt about the drawing power of such a fight. Carano has become a movie star in the last five years and has received more attention since dating actor Henry Cavill. Rousey is one of the biggest stars in the UFC. The two of them fighting each other would generate all sorts of buzz and interest.
The only problem is that Carano might want to return for one fight and one fight only: Rousey. She doesn’t belong in the octagon with Rousey for her first fight back, but can she and the UFC risk her taking a loss in a tuneup fight? Probably not. The better fight is Rousey-Holm, while Rousey-Carano is the one that will sell the best.
Glove touch to SI Wire
