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#4. Ronda Rousey vs. Katlyn Chookagian
Former UFC title challenger Katlyn Chookagian would make for an intriguing opponent if she returned to 135 lbs. Despite being the No.1-ranked women’s flyweight, a title shot isn’t necessarily a sure thing.
She was unsuccessful in her first attempt as Valentina Shevchenko defeated her via third-round TKO at UFC 247.
With Shevchenko setting her sights on the bantamweight championship, perhaps ‘Blonde Fighter’ would be open to a one-off fight against Ronda Rousey. It would clearly be the most lucrative fight of her career and would be an interesting matchup.
Chookagian isn’t a fighter who gets too overzealous in her bouts and is more of a tactical fighter.
‘Blonde Fighter’ has won four straight fights, all via decision. The winning streak includes wins over top flyweights including Cynthia Calvillo, Viviane Araujo, Jennifer Maia, and Amanda Ribas. Her most recent split decision win over Ribas was impressive as both fighters earned a bonus for Fight of the Night.
#3. Former UFC title challenger Sara McMann - Rematch
Another potential option could be a rematch between Ronda Rousey and Sara McMann. The former Olympic silver medalist has remained in the top 10 of the women’s bantamweight division throughout her career.
At 41-years-old, McMann could be looking to get the biggest fights possible as she approaches the final stage of her career.
McMann is 2-1 in her last three fights as she has split wins and losses. In 2020, she returned following a two-year layoff and defeated Lina Lansberg via unanimous decision to snap her two-fight losing streak. But she was submitted by current women’s bantamweight champion Julianna Pena in the following bout.
In their first encounter, ‘Rowdy’ retained her women’s bantamweight championship by finishing McMann with a knee to the body. McMann has been more active and improved since the loss and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Karol Rosa.
But on the other hand, the time away could possibly benefit both Rowdy’s mindset and preparation.
