Ronda Rousey backed up all of the trash talk with a phenomenal first-round submission victory over Miesha Tate, winning by armbar and becoming the new bantamweight champion.
Tate came out throwing strikes and quickly scored with a big right hand to start, but Rousey was then able to take the fight to the mat and immediately advance to side control. Rousey delivered short elbows and hammerfists from the top as Tate worked to create space to get off of her back. Rousey went to her signature submission from there and it looked as if the fight may end in quick fashion by yet another armbar.
Tate managed to fight off the submission attempt and briefly take the back of Rousey before both fighters made their way back to their feet. A big slam by Rousey ended with Tate taking her back and looking to get hooks in. Rousey fought off the back attack of Tate and reversed position, ending up on top after a scramble. After getting back to their feet again, Tate landed a flurry before closing the distance. In the clinch, Rousey’s judo prevailed as she executed a hip throw that landed her back into another dominant position. She then moved to full mount and started to land from the top forcing Tate to roll out of danger. Rousey transitioned to the armbar and rolled, grotesquely extending the arm of the champion. Tate tried desperately to defend but was forced to finally tap after her arm was further extended. Rousey earned the victory at 4:27 of the first round.
Rousey said afterward that she respected Miesha Tate as an athlete, but felt little remorse for the way the fight ended.
“She was much more savvy on the ground than I anticipated,” Rousey said. “She’s good, and she’s legit, but I don’t feel that bad about [the injury].”
With the stunning victory, Ronda Rousey remains perfect at 5-0 (3-0 SF) with all of her wins coming by way of armbar, and more importantly becomes the new Strikeforce bantamweight champion.
With the disappointing loss, Miesha Tate falls to 12-3 (5-2 SF).