What next for former 135lbs champ Holly Holm:

Would things play out the same if these two icons rematch?

Former UFC Women's Bantamweight champ Holly Holm featured in the inaugural Women's Featherweight title bout at UFC 208 alongside Germaine de Randamie, and similarly to the card's co-main event between Anderson Silva and Derek Brunson, there were major talking points after the five round affair. Arguably, the most damage done to Holm from eventual winner Germaine de Randamie occurred after the buzzer, in both the second and third round. As the buzzer sounded after the ten minute mark to signal the one minute interval, 'The Iron Lady' de Randamie smashed Holm with a huge right hook and the American looked to be out on her feet as she leaned against dissapointing referee Todd Anderson as she staggered back to her stool. Then once more at the third rounds conculsion, Anderson was again found wanting position wise, as de Randamie again cracked Holm twice and appeared to smirk as she was escorted to her corner by Anderson, who then incredibly told de Randamie "if it happens again, I'll take a point away", despite already warning the Utrecht native. Holm had de Randamie hurt at the end of the third landing a beautiful question mark kick, before a left high kick brushed the face of Germaine, and once more in the fights fourth as Holm caught Germaine with a left hand as she came to engage, dropping her to one knee. Anderson could also be accussed of stepping in too often to break up the clinch, as Holm strived for a takedown. If Anderson had elected to take a point from Dutch fighter de Randamie, we may have seen a draw at the fights conclusion. Regardless, Holm now has tasted defeat three times on the trot, and faces a huge next fight if she hopes to remain relevant in the organisation.

Ronda Rousey rematch: A hugely possible matchup for both former Bantamweight champs, as they are both on losing streaks. Back at UFC 193, Holly Holm did the seemingly impossible, when she became the first to beat Ronda Rousey, and in spectacular fashion, courtesy of a left high kick KO. Rousey returned at UFC 207 to challenge Amanda Nunes for the 135lbs crown, but was unsuccessful in her expedition, KO'ed in the first round after a masterclass in striking from 'The Lioness'. Holm also fell on unfortunate times after her win over 'Rowdy', as she was choked out by Miesha Tate in her first title defence, before being picked apart by Valentina Shevchenko before her contest with GDR. A hugely intriguing matchup for both ladies, if Rousey decides to return to the octagon, which seems unlikely.

Another crack at GDR: This matchup shouldn't be needed, but after last nights controversial decision, we may need to see this bout again. For obvious reasons, Holm should be inline for another opportunity at the Featherweight title challenge, this time with a more experienced and established referee, weather that be Herb Dean or 'Big' John McCarthy.

Megan Anderson welcoming: After Australia's Megan Anderson made easy work of Canadian veteran Charmaine Tweet in impressive fashion to claim the interim Incivta FC Featherweight title, she took to the mic to tell either de Randamie and Holm to "keep the belt warm". Anderson is a tremendous striker and kickboxer and at just 27 years of age, could be an overwhelming and dominating force if she chose to make the jump to Dana White's Ultimate Fighting Championship. That jump in fact in my opinion, makes perfect sense, after current undisputed Invicta FC 145lbs champ Cris 'Cyborg' Justino was flagged for a potential anti-doping violation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, and faces some time on the sideline. Dana White also claimed after last nights show that 'Cyborg' would be getting the next shot at de Randamie, so why wouldn't Holm and Anderson duke it out to establish the next contender.

135lbs Julianna Peña battle: Holm may return to her recently owned Bantamweight division, and an interesting bout awaiting her would be match against phenomenal grappler Julianna Peña. This fight makes all the right sense with the winner recovering from a loss, after future Bantamweight title challenger Valentina Shevchenko, to everyone's surprise submitted Julianna Peña via a ferocious  armbar, to give the 27 year-old 'Venuzualen Vixen' her first UFC loss. This fight would most definitely have title implications for the winner.

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