There were plenty of unknowns going into the main event fight of UFC 157 but one thing that was certain was that UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey expected a tough fight from challenger Liz Carmouche. The undefeated champion saw some moments of danger before she successful in defending her title via armbar at 4:29 of the 1st round.
History was made in the Honda Center of Anaheim where the first women’s fight in the UFC took place. Not to mention that it was the main event. While harsh critics said that women in a main event of a pay per view wouldn’t work, UFC President Dana White thought otherwise and the overwhelming amount of media attention seemed to prove his point.
From the start of the fight, Carmouche proved to be game by doing her best to avoid being judo thrown by Rousey. Once the fight hit the ground the scrambles of positions led to Carmouche taking the back of Rousey. Soon after she had her hooks in place and was looking to apply a rear naked choke on the champion.
It looked like Rousey was close to being done but was able to survive. “That was the most vulnerable a position I’ve been in so far in my career. That was pretty tight, that neck crank, and I was very happy to get out of it,” said Rousey.
What saved the champion was a matter of inches in technique.” She had the choke across my mouth and the angle pushed my mouth-guard out of my mouth. Her forearm was pushing against my teeth and that can’t have been any more fun for her than it was for me… crazy sport we’re in, huh,” said Rousey.
The challenger had her moments and was close to making a different type of history as she attempted to be the first fighter to defeat Rousey. Defeated but not done, Carmouche was proud of her part in the history making event.
““It was an honor to fight here tonight. I thought I had her for a minute there, but she’s the champion for a reason. I had that neck crank very tight, but I had the choke across her mouth and couldn’t get it to her neck. I actually have her teeth marks all over my arm. Sorry, Ronda, I didn’t mean to do that,” said Carmouche.
Carmouche got words of encouragement from White, despite the result of the fight not going in her favor. Now under contract with the UFC, she knows there will be more fights in her future in the organization.
““This isn’t the highlight of my career. So far, maybe, but the highlight is going to be when I win some fights in the UFC and come back for the title,” said Carmouche.
Now having won a fight in the octagon, Rousey said she now felt like a real champion after being given the belt by White upon her arrival from StrikeForce, where she held the 135lb title.
“I was actually less nervous walking out than I was for some of my earlier fights. I felt like the UFC champion and I know how hard I am working. This was a wild ride and I can’t wait to get back in the Octagon,” said Rousey.