Rousey vs. Holm- The Main Event UFC Needs

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This Saturday, two of the best fighters in the business go head-to-head in a highly anticipated matchup. On one side we have former boxer and kickboxer Holly Holm, who is 9-0 in her MMA career. Her impressive resume also includes a 33-2-3 boxing and a 2-1 kickboxing record. This multi-talented athlete faces the hottest attraction UFC has to offer, the 12-0 UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.

This marks the second time in UFC history where both co-main events are headlined by women’s bouts. Both are and will be headlined by Rousey. In case people didn’t think this was a big deal, the event is being held at Etihad Stadium in Australia and they are confident they will sell out every one of the 70,000 seats there. If you don’t think this matchup is worth the hype, check out this extended commercial video provided by the UFC.

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Chills. The video ends with “Every revolution starts with a fight” which may confuse people. What revolution are they talking about? I believe it is the start of a new movement. The UFC has been known for their athletic male legends; Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Ken Shamrock, Matt Hughes, etc. After this Saturday however, these two women can change the history books.  

Ronda Rousey has become as mainstream as any athlete can get, starring in commercials, movies, you name it. Her entrance music, “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett, is a rallying call for the lion inside of her waiting to burst out. She is very outspoken and grabs attention wherever she goes, and she is also a huge wrestling fan. So huge in fact that her nickname pays homage to the late Roddy Piper. Her critical acclaim is an effect from her dominating victories against her opponents. Her shortest fight (:14) was against Cat Zingano at UFC 184. If you blinked you would probably have missed it. Only twice has Rousey let her opponent last more than a full minute; A Strikeforce match against Miesha Tate (4:27 in her Batamweight debut) and Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 (4:49). I say it like that because whoever she is in the ring with, it seems that Rousey has the upper hand every time.

Rousey has not only dominated the women’s division, but many aspects of sport as well. She has won 2014’s Best Box Office Draw, Most Outstanding Fighter and MMA Most Valuable Fighter from the acclaimed Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards. Rousey has also won back-to-back ESPY awards for best female athlete, and the ESPY for 2015 Best Fighter. To beat out the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr (with whom she has been very outspoken about), and other well known fighters is a testament to her impact in the sports world.

Do not count out Holly Holm, who may be Rousey’s toughest opponent to date. A multi-talented athlete, Holm defended her boxing title in three weight classes, showing her flexibility and willingness to better herself. During her boxing career she won 15 straight matches, reached a draw the next fight, and then won her next eight. Her experience is any promoters dream. Her dominance in the sports world has not given her as much coverage as Rousey, but it is enough to open some eyes. Holly Holm is not like Rousey’s previous opponents, and that’s what makes her a great challenge.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated a few weeks ago, Holly discussed the importance of the upcoming fight. She stated, “It will be one like no other and I’m looking forward to living in this moment and making the most of it.” She also stated “I want greatness so bad I can taste it. I’m going in there with every intention of getting the victory.” What separates her from other Rousey opponents is that she does not trash talk, or want to create any true controversy. Holly is not there for the paparazzi or anything else, she is just going out there to do what she does best: dominate.

Saturday’s matchup could be game-changing for the UFC, the fighting world, and sports in general. This “revolution” could change the way everyone views female athletes (if they haven’t already). These top fighters are ready to face off and who knows, it could be Rousey’s longest fight in quite some time. As Michael Buffer’s half brother Bruce states before every big fight, “This is the moment UFC fans around the world have been waiting for. IT’S TIME.” It certainly is, and I for one cannot wait for it.