Simply because of the significance in MMA history, we bring you a special dose of Flashback Fights with the first-ever female main event in UFC history. Ronda Rousey took the octagon for UFC 157 against Liz Carmouche on Feb. 23, 2013, at the Honda Center for the first-ever UFC women’s title fight.
Rousey had been the reigning Strikeforce (purchased by UFC) Women Bantamweight champion until she became the first female signed to the UFC where she was promoted as the champion in the promotion’s first female division.
Though Ronda had already begun her reign of dominance (riding a six-fight win streak), and continued here with a first-round armbar, she did not walk away from this adversity-filled scrap without some serious harm.
Carmouche pressed Rousey and was able to get her back. She attempted to lock in the rear-naked choke, but Ronda was able to tuck her chin just enough. While Rousey escaped the choke, she did not escape a broken jaw. Despite the comprised position and sustained injury, Rowdy was able to persevere and reverse the tides by successfully securing an armbar on Carmouche. The fight was stopped 4:49 into the first round.
This was only the beginning of Rousey’s UFC journey. She went on to successfully defend her UFC title five more consecutive times.
Though her hype may have fizzled following the devastating back-to-back knockout losses she suffered at the hands of Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, we should never forget just how dominant she once was.
Hell, maybe if she goes back to her Judo roots, we may see a comeback.
-Jordan Kurtz is a founding member of Comments From The Peanut Gallery
and can be followed on Instagram at @CommentsFromThePeanutGallery
