Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey May Not Happen; UFC Champ Not Sure if She Can Wait for Rowdy's Return

Newly-crowned UFC Women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate may be savoring her recent triumph but that doesn’t mean she will be taking it easy.

Like Holly Holm, who she defeated at UFC 196, “Cupcake” wants to stay active and take the Octagon once again as early as UFC 200.

"I am the champion, I definitely want to stay active, I want to defend my belt, I want to continue to prove myself so whatever we all sit down and deem as the best route to do that then I'm ready," Tate said.

Ready for Anyone

Tate is ready for all comers other than Ronda Rousey. She made this clear in the same interview, pointing out it is the champion’s job to stay ready at all times.

Right now, UFC president Dana White seems to be limiting the options to Rousey. He hinted this not long after the triumph of Tate, though the real question is when the former champion will be ready both physically and mentally.

Rousey has been spotted training back at the gym, but even that is no assurance that the MMA fighter/actress is prepping for a possible showdown with Tate soon.

Will Rousey be at UFC 200?

Before UFC 196 even took place, Rousey begged off from UFC 200 and wanted more time off. The reason at the time was that there was an alleged conflict in filming schedule, which technically counts her out for UFC 200.

That piece alone offers some conflicts on why White is pushing for a Tate vs. Rousey rematch, though it could be one of two things:

1. White will try to persuade Rousey to reconsider since she will be facing an old nemesis in Tate, who she defeated twice already, or

2. She will make Tate wait until Rousey is ready which could be towards the end of the year.

Take note that Rousey’s filming angle could change. White did say that Rousey’s schedule does not actually conflict with UFC 200 and will in fact finish ahead of it.

The problem is whether Rousey will have enough time to prepare for a match at UFC 200, something he termed as “cutting it too close”.

Holm on Standby

Despite the fact that White is pushing for a match between Tate and Rousey, former champion Holly Holm is aggressively trying to make her case.

She started all that through Instagram, asking for a rematch at UFC 200.

While Tate is likely to oblige, the obstacle that needs to be hurdled is White. With Rousey seemingly not yet ready to venture into MMA fighting for now, will a Tate vs. Rousey II be the next best thing?