Ronda Rousey taken to hospital after knockout loss

MANILA, Philippines – Former women’s bantamweight titleholder Ronda Rousey will undergo an operation on her busted lower lip following her disappointing defeat to newly-minted champion Holly Holm at UFC 193 on Sunday, November 15 (PH Time).

UFC president Dana White revealed during the post-UFC 193 press conference that Rousey was taken to an undisclosed hospital in Melbourne, Australia after being knocked out by Holm in the second round with a head kick and is set to go through an urgent surgery to stitch her busted lip.

“Well, she was transported out here (Etihad Stadium) because she got knocked out. And her lip was split in half. They have to sew her,” he stated.

According to the 46-year-old promoter, Rousey is completely devastated with the outcome of the bout.

“She is completely bummed out, depressed,” White said of Rousey, who refused to be interviewed after the fight.

With a vast striking background, Holm set the tone of the championship clash early on by circling away from Rousey throughout the first round and countering with accuracy and power.

In addition, Holm landed 38 of 53 strikes as she peppered Rousey with straight lefts, standing elbow shots and a sidekick.

Rousey returned to her corner after the opening salvo with a bloody lip and a swelling nose and mouth.

As Rousey’s response was to pressure the ex-boxing world champion, Holm torched her stumbling opponent with a left high kick and punches, scoring a stoppage just 59 ticks into the second round.

Along with capturing the UFC gold-plated strap, Holm will take home $100,000-worth of bonus as she received the “Performance of the Night” and “Fight of the Night” awards. – Rappler.com