"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey

By FCF Staff

For quite a while, UFC President Dana White dismissed the idea that women would be competing in the Octagon any time soon, even when organizations like Strikeforce benefited from promoting high profile women’s bouts. With the success of Ronda Rousey, both in and outside the cage, however, it appears as though White has changed his tune.

Previously White cited what he believed was a lack of available women fighters, as why the UFC wasn’t about to jump into women’s MMA. With Rousey quickly becoming a mainstream star,  White is, however, reportedly interested in bringing the Strikeforce bantamweight champ.

According to a report from MMA Weekly, after the UFC on FUEL card this Saturday, White relayed that “I absolutely, positively would bring Ronda Rousey into the UFC.” The UFC President clarified, however, that the fight would be of a “one off”, super-fight nature, and not part of an established women’s division in the promotion.

A fight between former Strikeforce champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos and Rousey is certain to be a success in both attendance and ratings figures.  Strikeforce’s current broadcast partner Showtime, however, is likely targeting the bout first.