10 Things Ronda Rousey Must Do To Regain Her UFC Title

5. Work On Her Standup

In the first real test of her standup game, Ronda Rousey failed. Miserably. Make no mistake: Bethe Correia, with whom Rousey stood toe-to-toe at UFC 190, is not on the same level as Holly Holm. Correia is not a decorated striker, doesn't have the kicks, the accuracy, the range, or the movement. Holm was the first true test for Rousey's striking. Embarrassingly, prior to UFC 193, Rousey's standup was being lauded. She had made great strides, it was claimed. An infamous video (later an animated gif) of her shadowboxing made the rounds. Thing is, anyone can look good shadowboxing with just a few tips. Actors manage it. Worse, major boxing figures bought into the hype. Oscar De La Hoya talked about booking her in a big boxing match. Now, it's clear that Rousey's standup really is her weak spot, something most hardcore fight fans understood. Thing is, no one until Holm had managed to put to things together: a) be a world class striker, and b) avoid Rousey's takedowns/judo throws and fight off the arm-bar. Rousey's few wins by TKO don't mean her striking is world class. She needs to accept it, and train with a striking coach at the top of the game. Duke Roufus and Freddie Roach come to mind.