Pro boxing legend Floyd Mayweather rarely speaks about the UFC, but when he does, he sure makes a lot of heads turn. The American, who retired with a 49-0 record in the boxing ring, was involved in a war of words with octagon queen Ronda Rousey just months ago, but after UFC 193, Mayweather thought maybe it was time to change things.
The 38-year-old boxer has offered to help Rousey, who is ten years younger to her, in grooming her boxing skills in the cage. Surprising? Well, that is exactly what Mayweather said. "I want Ronda Rousey to hold her head up high and don't let this discourage you. If you need help as far as with boxing, I'm here to help you," Mayweather told Fighthype.com.
"It's all about timing and inches. Her ground game is unbelievable. She'll be OK."
Rousey's undefeated streak in MMA came to an end after Holly Holm dished out a superlative performance in the main event of UFC 193 in Melbourne, Australia, last weekend, to become the new UFC bantamweight champion of the world. Holm, who remained a decorated pro boxer before moving on to MMA, landed pin-point jabs, and also displayed her efficiency with bob and weave.
The 34-year-old toyed with Rousey as she bossed the first round and the second round just gave Holly Holm the recognition she needed. The high shin kick to the neck just turned out to be one of the historical moves in the UFC.
A rematch between the two is what everyone is asking for now. And Holm is set for it as she said just moments after her fight that if the opportunity of a rematch comes across, she'll take it. Rousey, however, doesn't look ready. She, along with UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, has been handed six-month medical 'suspensions' by the UFC.
Rousey received a 60-day medical suspension that could extend to 180 days if she doesn't pass a CT scan. She has also been asked not to have any contact training for at least 45 days, according to MixedMartialArts.com.
On the UFC bantamweight women's division, Mayweather suggested that Holm needs to take part in a few title defenses before the UFC sets up the much-awaited rematch with Rousey. The Olympic bronze medallist in Judo earlier said that she was not keen on fighting in the cage before UFC 200.
"As a former fighter, I think that she [Rousey] needs some time off to regroup and refocus. I think they [UFC] are rushing her," Mayweather said. "They need to build Ronda Rousey back up, her confidence back up, even though I think she's probably still confident.
"Let Holly fight, defend the title a few times, and build it," the former pro boxer added.
