They're calling it the biggest upset in UFC history. Relatively unknown boxer-turned-MMA-fighter Holly Holm beat the undefeated Ronda Rousey to claim the bantamweight championship fight at UFC 193 last night. Holm knocked out Rousey 59 seconds into the second round with a left kick to the head. Rousey was taken to a Melbourne hospital following the fight, where UFC president Dana White said she was devastated but physically okay.
"I think for all the fans watching that love her and is a fan is heartbroken," her trainer, Edmond Tarverdyan, told ESPN. "I'm just staying strong now next to Ronda. There are no words I can say right now how I feel. It's just, gotta be strong next to Ronda. That's how I feel."
The biggest event in the sport's history, UFC 193, drew 56,214 fans. But it didn't take long for Holms to stun Rousey with a barrage of fists, and eventually reduce her to a heap before referee Herb Dean stepped in.
Tensions were high leading into the fight when Rousey and Holm scuffled during the weigh-in.
Following the fight, Rousey broke her silence on the loss Sunday evening, writing she would take some time off but be back:
Several outlets noted Rousey predicted her loss to Holm during a late night interview with Jimmy Fallon this October. Holm is "undefeated and an amazing athlete and I think the biggest threat, definitely, to me, especially on paper and stylistically," Rousey said. "She's the type of fighter that you have to be very, very patient with. I feel like she's gonna try and like, keep distance and keep far away from me and get me frustrated until a point I'll make a mistake and she can try and kick me in the head." That kick to the head is exactly what cost Rousey the match this weekend.
Words: Matt Miller
From: Esquire