Rousey establishes a first in UFC
Olympic champ moves from judo to octagon
Ultimate Fighting Championship history has been made, with the crowning of Ronda Rousey as the promotion’s first-ever women’s champion.
UFC president Dana White unveiled Rousey as the 135-pound division champion Thursday during a news conference in Seattle for Saturday’s UFC on FOX broadcast. He also announced that Rousey’s first UFC title defence would be against Liz Carmouche as the headliner for UFC 157 on Feb. 23 in Anaheim.
Rousey, who learned Thursday she would receive the title belt, said it was a proud moment but just the first of many steps in her UFC career.
“It means a lot,” said Rousey, the former Olympic judo medallist who over the last year as Strike force women’s bantamweight champion became one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts. Last month, her contract was reworked and she shifted over from Strike force, which has the same parent company as UFC.
“I feel like we have a lot to prove at this event and no one’s going to be disappointed,” added Rousey.
“The women are here to stay and we’re going to prove it.”
Rousey (6-0), who turned pro in March 2011 after winning a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Summer Olympics, has won her six bouts in average of just 77 seconds, each match ending via armbar submission. Last March, she defeated Miesha Tate to win the Strike force title and then defended it in August against B.C. native Sarah Kaufman.
She’s also become a crossover star, garnering more media attention than all but a few fighters.