Ronda Rousey Crowned First Women’s UFC Champion, Will Defend Title at UFC 157

UFC President Dana White made it official today and handed over the first women’s UFC belt to the new bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. At the press conference Wednesday for the UFC on FOX 5 card, White introduced the new champion who was smiling ear to ear.

White also made it official that Rousey will defend her title for the first time against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157 in Anaheim, California. Carmouche is 7-2 as a pro and is riding a two-fight wining streak.

As to why not make a match-up with Cristiane Santos right now, White explained “That was obviously the fight we wanted to make at 135 pounds. We worked hard to make that fight. I believe that this fight will happen and I truly believe the next fight will be the Cyborg one.”

Rousey was excited about the moment, and said she didn’t know they were going to announce it until this morning and was nervous all day.

As far as the “Cyborg” clash, Rousey stated, “It’s going to happen eventually. I can’t make these girls fight me when I want them to fight me. I got a lot of respect for Liz. She’s the only one that really stepped up and said she really wanted this fight right now. That speaks a lot towards her. When the other girls come around and actually want to come to the big show, they know where I’m at.”

UFC 157 takes place on February 27 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The co-main event is a #1 contender light heavyweight fight between Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson. Also on the main card is a bantamweight fight between Urijah Faber and Ivan Menjivar.

Photo Credit: MMAFighting