In the main event of UFC 157, Ronda Rousey overcame a dangerous situation early to finally submit challenger Liz Carmouche with an armbar late in the first round of their UFC women’s bantamweight title fight. Carmouche gave Rousey the hardest fight of her short career, taking her back early and trying to sink a choke and crank her neck, but Rousey eventually shook her off, re-adjusted her sports bra, and went to work.
After engaging in the clinch and getting Carmouche down, Rousey sat in side control and punched Carmouche in the head for close to two minutes. Finally she rotated and looked for the arm. Carmouche fought it off valiantly, but Rousey eventually got the arm extended and Carmouche tapped out at 4:49 of the first round.
What was the high point of the fight?
There were two – Carmouche working the face crank from Rousey’s back, and Rousey working to free Carmouche’s arm for the eventual submission.
Where do they go from here?
Rousey will continue on as the face of WMMA and has earned the right to be called a true star in MMA. It certainly looks like her next opponent will be the winner of the Miesha Tate vs. Cat Zingano bout at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale in April.
Carmouche made the most of her opportunity and put up a very good fight against Rousey. She also handled all the media attention like a champ and earn her own niche in the company. I believe that she’ll end up facing off with Alexis Davis or Sarah Kaufman next.
Watch now, later, or never?
Now. The bout has a lot of drama right from the opening bell, and the finish is great. Plus you’re watching history being made.
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