Sonnen Pushes Gina Carano Toward Holly Holm After 17-Second Return Loss
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · May 23
Sonnen Pushes Gina Carano Toward Holly Holm After 17-Second Return Loss
2 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · May 23
Holly Holm is the "only possible direction" for Gina Carano if she pursues another fight, Chael Sonnen said after Carano’s 17-second loss to Ronda Rousey at MVP MMA 1.
John Wood’s disclosure that Carano was "gutted" by the defeat and considering another bout helped repair the impression she did not care after smiling and embracing Rousey in the cage.
Sonnen said Carano now needs to show she is back in the gym, in shape and motivated, arguing that fan interest depends on a believable comeback narrative before any new matchup is announced.
A Rousey rematch is effectively off the table, leaving Holm — who famously handed Rousey her first defeat — as Sonnen’s preferred opponent if promoters can secure Carano another contract.
After a 17-second defeat, can Gina Carano truly challenge the woman who first dethroned Ronda Rousey?
Is Chael Sonnen's comeback 'recipe' proof that narrative now outweighs athletic substance in modern combat sports?