Ronda Rousey to Make UFC Debut February 23rd, Defending Belt Versus Liz Carmouche
By FCF Staff
The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced today at its UFC on FOX 5 press conference that Ronda Rousey will make her Octagon debut against Liz Carmouche, February 23rd in Anaheim. The championship fight will headline the UFC 157 card, which will be hosted by the city’s Anaheim Center.
UFC President Dana White also presented Rousey with the UFC bantamweight belt, which is the first women’s title in the promotion’s history.
White also confirmed that the promotion is targeting a future fight between former Strikeforce featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos and Rousey. Santos recently relayed that she is willing to make the drop to 135 pounds but needs time to cut the weight properly.
Rousey (6-0) hasn’t competed since August when she tapped out former Strikeforce champ Sarah Kaufman in the first round. With today’s announcement, it officially brings an end to Rousey’s Strikeforce tenure, and is a further indication that the promotion will likely be ending operations in 2013.
Carmouche (7-2) is coming off a second round, tap-out win over Kaitlin Young while competing for Invicta FC in July.