A record 56,000 ticket holders packed in to the Etihad stadium to witness Holly Holm stage one of the greatest upsets in UFC history by dethroning the previously undefeated Ronda Rousey and become the world bantamweight champion.
The pair were scheduled to meet in January of next year, but a thumb injury to one of the original headline acts forced the UFC association to shuffle things about and give UFC 193 a title fight. And when Rousey and Holm shared a heated exchange at the weigh-in, it was clear the stage was set for an intriguing brawl.
Rousey has endured three title bouts in the last nine months and in six of those, she was declared the winner by the end of the first round. But on this occasion, Rousey was unable to contend with the ferocity of Holm's attack.
Rousey KO'd last night!!! Holms.. Well played ðŸ‘👠https://t.co/W1hp5qMW2Y
— TheFooTypster (@TheFooTypster) November 15, 2015
The former boxing champion looked immediately dominant in this fight, utilising all her craft from the ring to devour Rousey in the Octagon. She dodged Rousey's armbar and bombarded her with punishing strikes to set up a stunning finish.
And with just one minute remaining in the second round, Holm made her move. Stopping to get the best advantage out of her reach, she landed a punch on Rousey with her left that meant the champ was momentarily disorientated. Before Rousey had time to readjust, Holm unleashed a high kick that cupped sweetly around Rousey's neck and sent her crashing to the canvas.
Holy Hell Holly Holm
— Sean O'Pry (@Seanopry55) November 15, 2015
The 34 year-old then moved in for a gorund and pound finale, prompting referee Herb Dean to step in.
There was talk of a rematch shortly after the fight with UFC President Dana White saying:
'Obviously, we don't make fights the night of the fight, but the rematch makes a lot of sense. I think the rematch is what people would want to see.' Rousey was transferred to hospital to receive treatment after her lip was split open during the fight.
That kick though! Holy shit. I was rooting for Rousey, but Holm did work; she earned that win. When's the rematch though?
— BodhiSativa (@MattDubuc) November 15, 2015
If you're a newspaper editor, "HOLY Holm" is a headline just for you. Wow. Just wow. What a sport. (Autocorrect got me on first attempt!)
— Dave Sholler (@Sholler_UFC) November 15, 2015
Greatest upset in UFC history @ufc @joerogan #HolyHolm #RondaRousey
— Steve Howey (@stevehowey) November 15, 2015
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