Now that Ronda Rousey has hit pause on her other endeavors like filming Super Bowl commercials, hosting Saturday Night Live or posing for Sports Illustrated‘s swimsuit issue, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion is back in training and preparing for her rematch with Holly Holm (or Meisha Tate, depending on the results of their March fight). It is presumed that Rousey’s next bout will take place in November.
Holm has been seen working on her ground game with the likes of Jon “Bones” Jones, so if Rousey is going to have a better result in her potential rematch, she will have to shore up the weak aspects of her fighting style. UFC legend Chuck Lidell has already volunteered to help Rousey with her striking ability, and now another name has volunteered his services to the ex-champ: former welterweight boxing champion Andre Berto.
TMZ recently caught up with Berto, and he seems to be in agreement with Rousey’s mother that she needs to move on from trainer Edmond Tarverdyan. Berto said that if Rousey is going to match up with Holm, she needs to focusing more on her boxing ability.
“Ronda isn’t a pure boxer, Holly is. She needs to focus more on her boxing and cutting off the ring. I’d love to stop by her gym and give some pointers.”
“I grew up around it just like she did. Call me!”
Rousey has a considerable amount of time to prepare if she’s not fighting again until November, and honestly, it can’t hurt to get some insight from the likes of Liddell and Berto if they’re willing.
After all, more than just a championship will be on the line when Rousey eventually steps foot in an octagon again. Her status as the face of UFC will take a substantial blow if she loses two consecutive fights, especially if both defeats come at the hands of Holm.
(Via TMZ)
