Rousey dominates in 39 seconds
It was the same story for Ronda Rousey.
It was the same unbelievably impressive, undeniably devastating story for the rapid-rising mixed-martial-arts star.
In just 49 seconds, Rousey secured a gruesome armbar to coax a submission from Julia Budd on Friday night at Strikeforce Challengers 20 at the Pearl at The Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas.
With the victory, the Glendale-trained grappler improved to 4-0 in her professional MMA career with all four victories coming in less than a minute’s time and all coming via armbar. Rousey, a former Olympic bronze medalist in judo, was also 3-0 in amateur MMA fights, winning thrice by armbar in less than a minute.
“Unbelievable,” screamed Strikeforce play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo during the live broadcast. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like it.”
Budd (2-2), to her credit, fought the hold for as long as possible with her elbow becoming severely disjointed before finally tapping. And after the fight she was clearly favoring her right arm.
At the fight’s onset, the two rushed to meet at the center of the cage, exchanging punches with Budd getting the better, landing well with a pair of 1-2 combos.
“I got tagged a couple more times than I would’ve liked,” said Rousey in the postfight interview.
But Rousey easily closed the distance and forced a clinch against the cage. There, she dropped her hips to the side for an apparent judo throw, but transitioned into a double-leg takedown which she secured easily. From there, she mounted Budd with ease and soon transitioned into an armbar and locked it in. Budd rolled the two, before they rolled back again and the former muay Thai kick boxer finally tapped.
The bout was contested at featherweight (145 pounds) and was Rousey’s second win in Strikeforce — both in the weight class.
However, Rousey, who is cornered by Glendale Fighting Club trainer Edmond Tarverdyan, had openly stated before the bout her intention to drop down to the bantamweight (135) class and challenge Strikeforce champion Miesha Tate for her belt. She reiterated those wishes after the fight.
“I really want to have a title fight with Miesha Tate,” she said.