Ronda Rousey surprised UFC fans when she announced on "Good Morning America" Aug. 21 that Holly Holm would be the opponent for her next fight.

"Definitely my biggest challenge to date, so I'm super excited about it," Rousey said.

Longtime MMA analyst Joe Rogan said during his "Fight Companion" podcast on Sunday that 33-year-old Holm is not ready for the crushing power of Rousey -- a sentiment felt by many in MMA and UFC circles.

"I don't agree with that fight," Rogan said. "That Holly Holm fight. I don't think that's smart. I would have gone with Amanda Nunes before Holly Holm. Amanda Nunes looked like a badass when she knocked out Sara McMann."

If Nunes is a "more dangerous fighter" and "a more marketable fighter" as Rogan believes, why was she not next in line to challenge Rousey?

The 5-foot-8 Brazilian Nunes presently ranks fourth as a UFC bantamweight challenger, behind Tate, Cat Zingano and Alexis Davis. Her record is 11-4 in mixed martial arts and 4-1 in UFC bouts. She has won her last two fights in the first-round.

In comparison, Holm is ninth in the rankings. She has experienced only two UFC fights, but won both in three-round decisions. Her record is 9-0 overall in MMA. As a former boxer, she was 32-2-3 before leaving the boxing ring for the Octagon.

Many MMA fans wanted Tate as Rousey's next opponent because she's the only challenger to actually give Rousey a fierce battle. It was Tate whose second fight with Rousey went to three rounds -- a first for the champion. Rousey's past three title bouts lasted 64 seconds.

Rousey, who ranks 12-0, disagrees with Rogan. She believes Holm has what it takes.

"She's not the average chick that I would fight," Rousey said of Holm in her announcement. "She's the best striker I've ever fought, and striking is something that I learned much later in my career."

How does Holm feel about the upcoming fight?

The UFC fighter told TMZ Sports that she was originally scheduled to fight Sara McMann, but got the call that Rousey would be her next opponent. While she was surprised by the change, she was excited.

"I see it as a very big compliment from her," Holm said of Rousey calling her "the best striker."

When TMZ asked Holm about smack talk, she said that's something she won't do.

"I have nothing but respect for her," Holms said. "She's done a lot for this division. She's done a lot of women's MMA fighting."

Watch Rousey and Holms headline UFC 195 in Las Vegas, Nevada on Jan. 2, 2016.