Ronda Rousey is back in action at UFC 193 as she puts the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship on the line against Holly Holm. Her typically dominant performances have become must-see viewing for MMA diehards and mainstream sports fans alike.
The bout headlines a card that also features a second title fight as women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk takes on Valerie Letourneau. Other notable fights include a rematch between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva as well as Uriah Hall battling Robert Whittaker.
Let’s check out the complete set of matchups for the latest UFC showcase. That’s followed by predictions for which fighters will take home added bonuses and a preview of the main event.
UFC 193 Fight Card
Fight Night Bonus Predictions
Main Event Preview
As always, the most pressing question ahead of any Rousey fight is whether the opponent can actually present a serious challenge. In most cases, the answer was a resounding no. Only Miesha Tate was able to push the undefeated champ beyond the first round.
Furthermore, her most recent bouts have been among the most lopsided. Victories over Alexis Davis, Cat Zingano and Bethe Correia lasted a combined 64 seconds. It’s raised legitimate questions about whether there’s anyone in the division who can force her to struggle even a little bit.
Holm is the latest competitor to take her chances. The former boxer and kickboxer is unbeaten since making the transition to MMA. Of course, Rousey represents a massive difference from the fighters she’s squared off with previously.
Sherdog.com provided the tale of the tape:
Holm, who’s won six of her nine fights by knockout, has the striking ability to make an impact. The problem is Rousey has been simply overwhelming opponents in the opening seconds of a fight, immediately destroying any game plan.
The champion expects the versatile veteran may have something special prepared in this case, as noted by Michael Martinez of UFC’s official site.
“Everybody tries to come at me in different ways, but their approach is going to be the most strategic and well thought-out,” Rousey said. “But no amount of thought and strategy can beat me, and I’m going to show them that.”
One thing’s for sure: Holm better have a rock-solid approach ready to survive the first 30 seconds. If that happens, then she can start getting into some of the other tactics.
The New Mexico native isn’t concerned about her underdog status, though. She understands that doesn’t mean anything once the opening bell rings, per Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports.
“I don’t mind you saying I’m a huge underdog, because I am a huge underdog,” Holm said. “But the odds have nothing to do with how I’ll perform. I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I was ready or didn’t believe I could win.”
Ultimately, while Holm‘s power potential does add a dash of intrigue to the bout, it would still qualify as a monster upset if she won the title. She’s never faced an opponent with anywhere near the all-around skill set of Rousey, and it’s virtually impossible to fully prepare for what to expect.
The challenger has shown enough defensive ability to believe she could survive a little longer than Rousey‘s last three opponents. That said, the result will likely read much the same: another title defense inside the first round for Rowdy.
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