Rampage Missing UFC?, Luke Rockhold Promised "Big" Fight, Ronda Rousey Uncertain About Future
- Ronda Rousey is facing a busy 2015, with a championship defense against Cat Zingano at UFC 184 leading the way. After the much-anticipated bout, her future remains unclear.
"After Feb. 28, I have a lot of important decisions to make," Rousey said at a press conference on Monday.
Rousey will be promoting Furious 7, as well as the upcoming Entourage movie in addition to starring in Athena Project. Rousey's film career is taking off, but she knows being UFC Champion is the reason for that.
"I've got everything getting thrown my way right now," Rousey said. "I'm in a fortuitous situation where I have so many options, that I could take very many different paths right now. And which path I choose will very much depend on the manner in which I beat Cat Zingano."
- Middleweight contender Luke Rockhold will remain with the UFC for the forseeable future, as it was reported on UFC Tonight that the 30-year old signed a brand new 8-fight contract this week. In addition to the long term deal, Rockhold was promised a "big fight" by the UFC, although details weren't specified.
Coming off of a win over Michael Bisping, many expected Rockhold to face Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza in a re-match of their 2011 bout. Souza, however, was matched up with middleweight juggernaut Yoel Romero and placed on the UFC 184 card. On UFC Tonight, analysts speculated a potential fight between Rockhold and Machida could be made. Machida is booked against CB Dolloway next month.
- Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has had public squabbles with UFC in the past several years, leading to the star signing with rival promotion Bellator MMA. While many have embraced Bellator's new regime under Scott Coker, Jackson isn't one of them.
Jackson, who also made appearances for TNA Wrestling, posted a tweet that made it sound like he was open to patching things up with the UFC. Jackson was close to Bellator founder Bjorn Rebney before his ousting from the company.
Just a thought.. But I've learned a big lesson in life and business: sometimes u should just stay with the devil u know @ufc
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) November 18, 2014
It's worth noting that when Jackson made his intentions to leave the UFC clear, UFC President Dana White said that he wanted to keep Jackson in the company.