Advertisement

Ronda Rousey’s top 5 fights

Ronda Rousey celebrates her victory over Cat Zingano on Feb. 28 at Staples Center.
(Harry How / Getty Images)
Share via

5. Sarah Kaufman, armbar submission, first round, Aug. 18, 2012, San Diego

Competing in the Strikeforce organization with UFC President Dana White watching, 2008 Olympic judo bronze medalist Rousey applied her famed armbar to defend her Bantamweight title in just 54 seconds, prompting White to retreat from his stance that women would never fight in the UFC.

4. Liz Carmouche, armbar submission, first round, Feb. 23, 2013, Honda Center

Advertisement

The newly declared champion from Venice found herself in big early trouble against San Diego’s Carmouche, who mounted Rousey from the back and gripped so tight around her mouth that Rousey felt her teeth breaking before escaping and winning with 11 seconds remaining in the first round.

3. Miesha Tate II, armbar submission, third round, Dec. 28, 2013, MGM Grand

Advertisement

In a rematch against her archrival, Rousey was taken past the first round for the first time before finding a way to stop Tate in the third.

2. Bethe Correia, knockout, first round, Aug. 1, 2015, Rio de Janeiro

The outcome likely did more damage than good to Rousey’s career, but in a testimony to her willingness to turn nasty, Rousey sought to knock out the mouthy Brazilian and delivered an impressive combination that ended the fight 34 seconds into the bout on Correia’s home turf. When Rousey again sought to stand and fight against pro women’s boxing champion Holly Holm three months later, it was Rousey who was down and out.

Advertisement

1. Cat Zingano, armbar submission, first round, Feb. 28, 2015, Staples Center

When Zingano rushed the action, Rousey calmly emerged from a somersault and found a way to apply the armbar again, finishing the fight in 14 seconds and inspiring genuine wonder if anyone would ever be capable of giving her a real test.

Advertisement