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28th Dec 2015

Holly Holm keen to capitalise on Ronda Rousey’s reluctance to move up a weight…

JOE

Not only has Holly HolmĀ stripped Ronda Rousey of her UFC bantamweight title, but she could now be set to steal the match-up everyone wants to seeĀ in the women’s division.

While Rousey has maintained that she won’t face Cris Cyborg in the Octagon unless her opponent makes the step down to 135lb – which has thus far proved unsuccessful – Holm is much more open to the idea of getting the Brazilian into the UFC.

It might require Holm to move up to 145, but having boxed at heavier weights in the past, the 34-year-old is confident that target is achievable.

“I know with the UFC, they don’t have that division,” said Holm in a transcript reported on MMA Fighting. “So, if that was something that they were going to put together, I’m not against it. I’m open to it.

Cyborg-Holm

“I’m not against options for other fights.Ā I don’t know how high I would go. I have fought at heavier weights in boxing. It kind of changes things with MMA, because there’s wrestling.

“Boxing, I think, is a little different, because you’re not dealing with somebody’s strength and weight on you as far as wrestling and grappling.

“But I do feel like I’m a bigger 135er. I don’t know. I guess I would just have to see if whatever would unfold if that was an option.”

Holm also revealed that she’s a big fan of Cyborg and would love to see her in the UFC at some stage.

“I love Cyborg.Ā She’s awesome. I finally got to get to know her this year,” said Holm.

“Whatever Cyborg wants to do, I support it. You want to stay at a heavier weight, you don’t want to go to 140? Whatever she wants to do, I’m all about it.”