Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently named Holly Holm as Ronda Rousey's opponent for 2016 and the surprise announcement caught everyone off guard, including Holm herself.
The move comes as a shocker to most, especially with talks that a possible December tiff against either Miesha Tate or possibly Cris 'Cyborg' Justino was in the air. Of the two, Tate was the widely believed opponent, the third time that both would be facing off.
Cyborg Justino is, of course, another name being mentioned despite White's denial. According to the Cyborg camp, the UFC had approached them of a possible tiff this December as well despite the fact that White had set some conditions before Justino could come face-to-face with Rousey. Such conditions include making the weight limit and win at 135 pounds at least once before getting inside the Octagon with Rousey.
But with the announcement of Holm, all that may have been doused. The timing does come a bit of a surprise and Holm herself admitted that she is wondering why she suddenly got the nod.
Not that she is complaining, but Holm feels that it may be because the UFC wants to see what she is made off.
Apparently Holm carries a style different from Rousey's, so the match could be something interesting to watch.
Could it be a move to use Holm as a sample to further improve on her new move — the standing knockout — which updates her deadly repertoire of moves that include her vaunted arm bar hold?
For Holm, it doesn't matter if such is the case. She considers it as a test on her part, something the UFC may have in mind. Other than that, Holm is also thinking that the UFC feels she is ready. Whatever the reason is, Holm doesn't seem to care much and considers it a grand opportunity to show the UFC world the stuff she is made off.
Check out Holly Holm's reaction via AXS TV Fights below:
