Ronda Rousey to defend UFC title against Holly Holm
Last Updated: 21/08/15 4:55pm
Ronda Rousey will defend her UFC championship against undefeated prospect Holly Holm.
The women's bantamweight champion, and one of the biggest stars of mixed martial arts, will fight at UFC 195 in Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 2.
She was expected to meet her greatest rival Miesha Tate for a third time but, instead, will be tasked with fighting former professional boxer Holm.
Rousey, who has a perfect 12-0 record, most recently halted Bethe Correia within 34 seconds meaning her last three opponents have lasted a combined 64 seconds, but insists she will be ready to go a potential five rounds against Holm.
"I prepare for a five-round war every time I get in there," Rousey told UFC.com.
"No one's easy until after you beat them, and with Holly Holm, she's the type that is ready to go 12 boxing rounds.
"She's the best striker I've ever fought, and striking is something I learned much later in my career.
She's the best striker I've ever fought, and striking is something I learned much later in my career.
Ronda Rousey
"So I don't ever expect fights to be easy and fast. No one knows exactly how the fights are going to go."
Holm has won all nine professional MMA fights with a stick-and-move punching style perfected through her boxing pedigree.
