Holly Holm next fight against Miesha Tate?

Holly Holm signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).Wikimedia Commons/Dankellorama

Following Holly Holm's victory over legendary fighter Rounda Rousey, effectively earning her the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship belt, there have been speculations of the two getting a rematch in 2016. However, prior to this fight there is now talk of Holm facing off against Miesha Tate first.

As pointed out in a report from the Bleacher Report, Tate is currently ranked as the number one contender and has the highest likelihood of fighting Holm next, although this of course changes with Rousey taking her spot, putting Tate as the number two contender now.

Tate has also won four consecutive matches, although she was passed up in UFC 193 due to her previous losses against Rousey, her slot eventually going to Holm. Tate herself explained in a recent interview with Fox Sports why she would be the perfect choice for Holm's next fight.

"If Holly would beat me, then they could still set up that great rematch that they want between her and Ronda," Tate stated. "If I beat Holly then I'm 5-0 and I beat the girl who beat Ronda, what better case could they ever make to have me fight Ronda again? I think that fight sells itself."

She also pointed out that she never fought Holm before and she also claims she was Ronda Rousey's biggest challenge prior to Rousey's fight against Holm. 

Other possible candidates to fight Holly Holm other than Miesha Tate include Cat Zingano, who is listed just below Tate. Her only issue at the moment is that she hasn't been in the Octagon cage since February, when she was defeated in just 14 seconds by Rounda Rousey.

Julianna Pena, Amanda Nunes and Cupcake are also listed by experts as possible candidates for Holm to face against if Tate is not available. Of course, there is always the possibility of the managers simply arranging for Holm to face off immediately against Rousey again to capitalize on their recent fight.