It's official: Ronda Rousey is a UFC fighter
Strikeforce women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey speaks at a press conference two days before she defends her title against Sarah Kaufman in San Diego. (Aug. 16, 2012) Credit: Strikeforce/Esther Lin
Ronda Rousey became the first female fighter to sign a contract with the UFC, president Dana White confirmed on Jim Rome's syndicated radio show Friday.
TMZ had originally reported the news Nov. 8, but officials for the UFC, Strikeforce and Showtime had yet to make any official comment until Friday.
"Yes, it's official Ronda Rousey did sign with the UFC," White said on Rome's show. "She has the whole package."
There is no doubting Rousey's ability in the cage. The Olympic bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Beijing Games is 6-0 in her MMA career, with all six win coming via armbar submission in the first round. In those six bouts, the last four of which were in Strikeforce, the women's bantamweight champion has spent a total of 7 minutes, 39 seconds in the cage -- and 4:27 of that came in her title-winning bout against rival Miesha Tate.
There is also no doubting Rousey's ability to promote a fight with her looks and personality. She recently posed nude for ESPN The Magazine's annual "Body Issue" and was one of the few featured on their own cover.
"She might be beautiful on the outside, she's a Diaz brother on the inside," White said, referencing Nick and Nate Diaz, two of the toughest, nastiest MMA fighters. "She's a real fighter, and she's very talented. She has the credentials, the pedigree, everything. I think she has that 'It' factor."
Despite the historic nature of her signing, Rousey will need something else to make actual promotion history -- opponents. That's a fact not lost on the 25-year-old from California.
"Okay I admit it . . . I'm officially a @ufc fighter," Rousey tweeted Friday. "SO excited! Can't wait to debut! Let @danawhite know who you want my 1st opponent to be!"
No date or opponent has been announced for Rousey's debut in the octagon.
