Holly Holm upsets Ronda Rousey by KO, claims UFC title

Holly Holm defeated Ronda Rousey in a stunning upset at UFC 193.

Holly Holm defeated Ronda Rousey in a stunning upset at UFC 193, becoming the new women’s bantamweight champion.

Holm, a former elite boxer, knocked off the previously undefeated Rousey in a fight that lasted longer than many expected.

Rousey’s past three fights have lasted 34, 16 and 14 seconds, and from the outset it was clear Holm would present a stiffer test. She dodged many of Rousey’s blows and danced around the octagon to open the fight, attempting to keep Rousey at arm’s length. Both fighters landed several head shots in an aggressive opening round, with Holm’s boxing-influenced approach pushing Rousey hard.

Holm shockingly took Rousey down in the second round, dropping her to the ground with a kick to the neck and finishing things off with a flurry of punches. This was Holm’s seventh career win by knockout.

#UFC193 Highlights: Holly Holm stuns the world with a massive head kick knockout win over Ronda Rousey https://t.co/BJw82KV9Jv

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 15, 2015

With the win at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, Holm moves to 10-0-0 on her career. Rousey drops to 12–1–0.

• WERTHEIM: Unbreakable Rousey is world's most dominant athlete

Rousey recently discussed the potential end of her UFC career and her future plans with SI Now’s Maggie Gray.

- Jeremy Woo