Holm challenges Tate to UFC 200 rematch
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight champ Holly Holm is already missing the belt.
Holm, who captured the title with a stunning knockout of Ronda Rousey back in November, was choked out by Las Vegan Miesha Tate in the fifth round on the UFC 196 card Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden.
UFC president Dana White said it’s very likely Tate’s first title defense would be against Rousey later this year.
Holm wants a shot at redemption first.
“Thank you Miesha Tate for the opportunity last weekend. Well done,” Holm posted on Instagram. “What do you say? Let’s do this again. UFC 200 is just around the corner.”
Holm was in control of the fight when she tapped out with less than two minutes remaining.
White has been critical of Holm’s decision to take a fight instead of waiting for Rousey to return to action. A bout with Holm defending the belt against Rousey in a rematch had potential to be the biggest fight in UFC history.
Much of the luster is now gone from that rematch.
Tate faces a similar decision. She has already lost twice to Rousey, but if she were to decide to fight Holm again before a potential showdown with Rousey it could jeopardize the biggest payday of her career.
Holm’s post included a photo of Tate locking in the fight-ending submission.
“This is how Saturday night ended but it’s not the end for me,” she wrote. “I am going to train hard and show that I am better than this. I am down but not out.”
UFC 200 is scheduled for July 9 at T-Mobile Arena. No fights have been announced for the card.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahil@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj
