In the co-main event of UFC 168, Ronda Rousey (8-0) defended her women’s Bantamweight title for the second time in a rematch against Miesha Tate (13-5). Rousey remains undefeated in her MMA career and as a UFC fighter with two championship fights in the Octagon. Tate fell to 0-2 in the UFC.
Rousey controlled the vast majority of the fight with her superior clinch and ground game. Tate put up a valiant effort, returning to her feet repeatedly and landing some solid blows striking. However, she couldn’t resist her wrestling background and it led to her undoing. After a scramble in the third round, Rousey got a hold of Miesha’s arm and liked in the fight-ending submission.
What was the high point of the fight?
While the fight as a whole was mostly non-stop action, the nod has to go to the finishing sequence. Uncharacteristically, Ronda didn’t wind up on top after grappling in the clinch. Instead, she found an opportunity to grab Tate’s arm and this time was able to lock in the submission.
Where do they go from here?
At the post-fight press conference it was announced that Rousey will be taking on Sara McMann for her next title defense. The two former Olympians will face off in the main event of UFC 170 on February 22.
Having given up definitive losses to rousey on two occasions now, Tate has a long road before she’ll have a chance at contendership again. In the meantime, I’d like to see her face Alexis Davis.
Watch it now, later, or never?
You’ll want to see the main event first, but this one is still must-see. There was a reason the fight earned both Fight and Submission of the Night accolades and you want to see the whole thing.
About the author
