Tate’s fifth-round chokehold that put Holly Holm to sleep at UFC 196 isn’t even a week old, but fans and media outlets alike want to know what’s next for the new bantamweight champ.
UFC president Dana White said earlier this that a third meeting between Tate and Ronda Rousey is the most likely step, but Tate isn’t quite ready to commit to that bout.
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“I’m still letting it all soak in and I’m trying to enjoy this moment, but eventually, probably after this week I’m going to sit down and talk to my management and see what exactly is next for me and what’s best,” Tate told Fox Sports.
White said he wants to try to get Rousey back in the octagon as soon as possible, but latest reports indicated Rousey was aiming for a November return. If Tate doesn’t want to sit on her laurels for the next eight months, a rematch with Holm could be in the cards.
Holm directed a message to Tate earlier this week that said: “What do you say? Let’s do this again. UFC 200 is just around the corner.”
Holm is right — UFC 200 is slated for July 9 — and if Rousey doesn’t want to expedite her return to UFC in time for the historic night, a Tate/Holm rematch may be the biggest draw. And with Holm still being 10-1, and nearly 11-0 if she avoided Tate’s chokehold, she deserves a shot to regain her belt and give UFC fans the Holm/Rousey rematch everyone anticipated for November.
A photo posted by Holly Holm (@hollyholm) on Mar 7, 2016 at 3:20pm PST
Tate, 29, said she definitely wants to “stay active” and defend her belt, but if she wants a shot at Rousey, it may be wise for her to learn from Holm’s mistake and stay out of the ring until Rousey is ready. White threw Holm’s trainer under the bus for pushing Holm to fight Tate instead of waiting for a Rousey rematch.
MORE: Tate calls out Rousey for being unmotivated, focusing on having baby
Regardless, Tate owns the title belt and will certainly be ready to defend it whether she’s staring across the ring at Holm for a second time or Rousey for a third.
“Whatever we all sit down and deem as the best route to do that then I’m ready,” Tate said. “I’m ready to take on all comers so I think that’s the champion’s job. I’ll stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.”