Holm signs with UFC, Carano next?

MMA Junkie reported earlier this week that the UFC has signed Holly Holm.  The Holm signing is only one of two signings the UFC hopes to accomplish this month as Dana White now sets his sights on finalizing a deal with Gina Carano.

The Holm signing was announced by White via twitter.  White told ESPN.com that he and Lorenzo Fertitta will be traveling to Los Angeles next week to finalize a deal with Carano and her people.

Both Holm and Carano negotiations have been tough for the UFC.  However, it appears that the UFC is making an assertive push to secure these two bantamweights to challenge Ronda Rousey in the future.

Payout Perspective:

It would be no surprise if Carano were to sign on with the UFC this week with guarantees about pay and that she would receive a shot at Ronda Rousey it what would be one of the bigger PPVs in some time.  It’s true that Carano has been a movie star the past couple years than fighter but her name was made in Strikeforce and still carries some clout. As for Holm, she has been making her name on the regional circuit and has been a sought after free agent.  She hopes to fight late October or November according to her manager.

The two represent a couple things.  First, the need for competition for Ronda Rousey. After a 16 second title defense this month, the UFC would like to give Rousey some competition and something to keep her coming back to fight.  Second, women’s fighting has been generally accepted.  With TUF 20 upcoming, the UFC Fight Pass-Invicta FC deal and these signings, it’s clear that the UFC believes women’s fighting is key to its content.