Ronda Rousey UFC 2015 news: UFC president explains decision to scrap Tate for Holm as next opponent

Dana White [photo: Commons Wikimedia/Justin Moore]

Miesha Tate is understandably a bit frustrated as we speak. Considering that not too long ago, her name was billed as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Women's Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey's next opponent, a sudden change in plans could be hard to take in.

As many know by now, an undefeated Holly Holm has been named to take on Rousey in 2016, crushing all hopes of Tate having a third crack at Rousey. On both their previous tiffs, Tate lost to Rousey; although Tate has so far been the toughest opponent faced by the champion.

But that was before attention focused on Holly Holm, a former boxer who is now a mixed martial artist and is, most of all, undefeated. 

The decision is apparently all about business. The fans have already seen a Rousey vs. Tate match and, with all due respect to Tate, the outcome  of the next fight could likely be the same. So why not have someone whom Rousey hasn't faced like Holm?

Holm is considered one of the UFC's best striker and according to her, the surprise selection could be part of a plan to see just how good Rousey's new attack is against someone like her.

Aside from her patented arm bar hold, Rousey has shown her newest move — a standing knockout — something that she showed against Bethe Correia at UFC 190.

Being a new arsenal, it seems apparent that Rousey wants to sharpen it. And who could be better than the "Preacher's Daughter," the same fighter who is considered one of the best female strikers in the UFC today?

Tate will, however, not be left out in the cold. White gave her some sort of consolation by matching her up against Amanda Nunes as one of the undercards for the 2016 match.

From Tate to a rumored fight against Cris "Cyborg" Justino, it is now clear that White will go with the name that is more intriguing, an undefeated female fighter named Holly Holm.

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