The next chapter of Ronda Rousey‘s tour of domination through mixed martial arts continues Saturday night in Australia, when she faces Holly Holm in the main event of UFC 193.
Friday’s weigh-in was nothing close to cordial between the two bantamweight stars, who traded pushes, shoves and some choice words shortly after they both successfully weighed in at 134 pounds. That only sets the stage for what should be another memorable fight.
Let’s take a closer look into everything to know for Rousey-Holm, along with predictions for the bout.
Rousey vs. Holm Preview and Prediction
Rousey and Holm do not like each other.
Can you tell? If you saw any bit of Friday’s weigh-in extravaganza from Melbourne, you’re likely aware of this.
Take a look at the moment the two shared during weigh-ins, with UFC President Dana White having to prevent them from duking it out right there:
Most of Rousey’s fights throughout her UFC career haven’t included fireworks like this in the weigh-ins. That would seem to indicate a bit more is on the line than usual, and Holm’s career suggests that as well.
Rousey talked up her opponent shortly after the fight was announced, giving Holm props as the toughest striker she’s ever faced, per ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto:
“She’s the most decorated striker we have in all of mixed martial arts,” Rousey said of Holm. “Definitely my biggest challenge to date. I’m super excited about it.”
Rousey later added: “She’s not the average chick I would fight. She’s the best striker I’ve ever fought, and striking is something I learned much later in my career.”
Rousey may have never faced a fighter quite like Holm. But neither Holm nor the rest of the UFC has ever seen anyone quite like Rousey.
She wins every time she steps into the Octagon, and she typically does so before the folks at home can get settled into their seats. If you miss the opening 30 seconds, you’ve likely missed all there is to see.
Take a look at what Rousey has done in MMA, which includes 11 of 12 victories coming in the first round, per ESPN Stats & Info:
Holm, and every other woman on the roster, has heard nothing other than how Rousey has ended fights within the first minute. The 34-year-old Holm has the poise and mentality necessary to avoid that.
But she doesn’t have enough to avoid the inevitable—which is another Rousey victory in the first round. Holm will get too close after establishing herself early, and Rousey will take advantage, submitting her with ease to win her 13th fight in as many appearances.
Prediction: Rousey wins via first-round submission.
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