Full Breakdown
Holly Holm on a Possible Ronda Rousey Rematch After Carano Victory
5/28/2026, 2:56:21 AM
Core Event: Holm’s Reaction to Rousey’s Quick Win Over Gina Carano
On May 16, 2024, Ronda Rousey returned after a decade and submitted Gina Carano by arm-bar in 17 seconds at MVP MMA’s debut. Holly Holm, signed with MVP, said she would welcome a rematch but doubted Rousey would seek one, noting she intended to enjoy her comeback win.
Background & Context: 2015 Upset, Hiatuses, and the 2024 Return
Holm’s second-round knockout of Rousey at UFC 193 in November 2015 ended a 12-0 streak and remains a landmark upset. Rousey later lost to Amanda Nunes in 2017 and retired for a decade. Gina Carano, a former Strikeforce star, had not fought since 2007 before the MVP bout. Their long absences heightened interest in the 2024 encounter.
Official Statements & Responses
Holm told MMA Fighting she has kept a rematch offer ‘available’ since their 2015 fight and would face Rousey again if the champion wanted. She emphasized respect for Rousey and said the desire to enjoy a comeback win outweighs any lure for a second bout. Rousey, in the post-fight interview, confirmed she is retiring, and MVP promoted the Carano-Rousey fight as a one-night comeback, noting no rematch negotiations.
Opposition & Gaps
Some fans alleged the Carano-Rousey bout was rigged; Holm dismissed the claim, citing Rousey’s history of quick finishes and asserting speculation does not diminish the athletes’ performances. While Rousey announced retirement, she has not explicitly ruled out a future fight with Holm, leaving the possibility open but unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I highly doubt she'll ever want a rematch. I always have said since the minute the last fight was over, I'll always rematch her. That's always been available.” — Holly Holm, former UFC champion
- “The whole reason why me beating her was such a big deal is because she was so dominant,” — Holly Holm, MMA Fighting interview
- “But she wanted to come back and have this win and go back and enjoy and have a win like that. No hate from me. I hope she does well. I hope she does whatever she wants with her life. That’s her life. I’d always be open to fight her again.” — Holly Holm, post-fight commentary
- “But then there’s like the fighter pride of things and a win is great but also to try to win that good or put that much of a stamp on something, anybody would be lying if they said they weren’t proud of it. I’m proud that I went in and did what I did. But I’m a fighter. That’s what we do. We go to win.” — Holly Holm, reflecting on her 2015 victory
What’s Next
Holm’s next bout is a lightweight boxing title rematch with Stephanie Han at an MVPW event in El Paso, Texas, after their first fight ended in a technical decision. MVP notes a Rousey-Holm showdown would be marquee, though Rousey’s retirement makes it speculative.
