August 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Bethe Correia (red gloves) reacts after defeating Shayna Baszler (blue gloves) during the women's bantamweight bout of UFC 177 at Sleep Train Arena.
August 30, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Bethe Correia (red gloves) reacts after defeating Shayna Baszler (blue gloves) during the women's bantamweight bout of UFC 177 at Sleep Train Arena. REUTERS

Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Bethe Correia is not yet ready to return the compliment for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey as the best pound-for-pound fighter.

Rousey was recently quoted during her appearance at a UFC fight in Brazil, September 13 that she appreciates how Correia has upped the drama and storylines for the women's division. The Brazilian brawler has recently disposed two of her close friends and sparring partners in Shayna Baszler and Jessamyn Duke in her last two fights.

"I'm glad that the girls are taking the hint and making themselves more interesting for the fans," Rousey said during the said interview with obvious reference to Correia's efforts to provide an angle to the rivalry. However, Correia is not ready yet to just throw flowery words to her rival and proclaims that she is not yet the best woman fighter in the MMA world.

"If it's in March you can be sure there will be a new champ in March," Correia recently told FOX Sports. "The only thing I recognize [about] her as an athlete is what she did for women's MMA. But even as the UFC champion she still hasn't proven she's the best woman fighter. "

The Brazilian up-and-comer will have to wait in line just like the rest of the women raring to topple Rousey. UFC President Dana White has already handpicked returnee Cat Zingano as the next in line to rumble with Rousey as a preliminary fight for the Jon Jones-Daniel Cormier bout in January 2015. But that is not to say that the White is not impressed with her recent effort. White has commented that he appreciates the effort put forth by the challenger but admits that she needs more seasoning and will have to be featured in one or two more fights. Correia is currently ranked 8th amongst women's bantamweight contenders.

For now, Correia might be positioning herself as a replacement fighter if even Zingano does not get the medical clearance to pave the way for the match in January. More so, White also said last week that after the January 3 bout, Rousey will again be defending her title two months later, in March, with a platoon of interested fighters expressing optimism to be handpicked. The fighters include Correia, Cris "Cyborg" Justino and Gina Carano.