Ronda Rousey was knocked out by Holly Holm in the second round of their UFC mixed martial arts championship fight, stunning cage fight fans in what some called the biggest upset in the sport's 22-year history.
Holm, a former women's world boxing champion, floored Rousey with a left kick to her face 59 seconds in the second round in Melbourne on Saturday, reported the
Washington Post, after soundly beating the formerly undefeated bantamweight champion in the first round.
Rousey was taken to a hospital after the bout, according to
E! News. UFC president Dana White said Rousey suffered a split lip that required stitches.
"I just want to thank everyone for their love and support," Rousey said on Instagram. "I appreciate the concerns about my health, but I'm fine. As I had mentioned before, I'm going to take a little bit of time, but I'll be back."
"I have to say that everything that we worked on presented itself in the fight," Holm said after the fight, per the Post. "Every grab that she tried to get and clinch on the cage, and I just had help with everything. I have not spent this much time in the gym before any fight of my life."
The popularity of Rousey, a former Olympic medalist in judo, went beyond the fighting ring. She has appeared in movies like "Furious 7," "Entourage" and "The Expendables 3," noted
Variety, and she is scheduled to appear in the remake of the Patrick Swayze movie "Road House."
Eleven of Rousey's previous 12 fights ended in the first round with her armbar hold stopping many of her opponents, said the
Los Angeles Times.
Las Vegas betting parlors took a beating on Rousey, said
USA Today. A $100 bet on Holm returned $600, said the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.
"The results around town were not good," said Jay Kornegay, vice president of Westgate Las Vegas. "Most books got crushed as typical underdog betting was popular. They love low risk, high reward on those fights. The rematch should be huge."
Members of Holm's support team reportedly won a "six figure" sum by betting on their fighter.
"I am sorry Vegas," said Holm's manager, Lenny Fresquez. "It was couple of our team members. We had a good pot together so it was nice. I wish I would have (placed) more money."