Ronda Rousey knocked out by Holly Holm in UFC title upset
- Published
Ronda Rousey (right) was the first American woman to win an Olympic judo medal - at the Beijing Games in 2008
Holly Holm stunned reigning champion Ronda Rousey to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title in Melbourne.
Rousey, 28, had won her previous 12 bouts and is considered the most feared female prize fighter in the world.
But fellow American Holm delivered a knockout head kick 59 seconds into the second round, plus several blows to the head, and the referee stopped the bout.
UFC pundit Joe Rogan called it the biggest upset in the sport's history.
It leaves multiple boxing world champion Holm, 34, undefeated in the mixed martial arts sport, with a 10-0 record.
UFC in focus | |
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Mixed martial arts (MMA) in the UFC is comprised of many combat sports, including kickboxing, karate, jujitsu and wrestling. | |
You can defeat your opponent by either a judges' decision, referee's technical knockout, knockout, submission or forfeit |
The event drew a record crowd of more than 56,000 at the Etihad Stadium.
Holm said: "I had so much love and support. I thought, 'how could I not do this?'.
"There was lots of blood, sweat and tears, but it sure was worth it. I'm trying to take this in, but this is crazy."
Holm (left) was considered the underdog in the bout
Holm delivered a head kick in the second round which floored Rousey
Holm remains undefeated in her 10 career fights
Rousey required medical attention after her defeat on Saturday in Melbourne
- Published12 July 2015
- Published24 October 2013
