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UFC 184 wrap: Ronda, and what's next for the winners and losers

Kevin Phillips new author
Roar Rookie
3rd March, 2015
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Ronda Rousey isn't laughing anymore after being defeated by Holly Holm (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Kevin Phillips new author
Roar Rookie
3rd March, 2015
0

It took Ronda Rousey a shocking 14 seconds to dismantle an undefeated and highly seasoned Cat Zigano in the UFC 184 Main Event.

Using a modified straight arm bar, Ronda now owns the fastest finish in UFC title history, with some incredible stats on her side.

Her last two fights have lasted a combined 30 seconds, and she’s finished four of her last five fights in the first round.

To put in perspective how dominant she’s been, consider that Jon Jones has only finished two of his last five title defences (his last three have all gone to judge’s decision).

There are reasons matches don’t end this quickly. There are reasons these fights normally last 25 minutes.

Ronda Rousey is rewriting history and might have ascended as the great female athlete of all time on her way.

Now that we’ve properly put Ronda Rousey’s dominance in proper historical context, let’s talk about UFC 184. What more could you want from a UFC card? History was made, knockouts were abundant, and Joe Rogan was wearing a maroon shirt! Let’s get right into it.

The Main Card

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Ronda Rousey defeats Cat Zigano via armbar in Rd1: Cat Zigano charged in with a flying knee and clinch attempt, which allowed Ronda to quickly utilise her Judo skills and take dominant submission in the scramble. Ronda quickly set up Cat’s arm on her hip and set up a supremely complex straight arm bar. Seriously, don’t try that one at home.

What’s next: Cat Zigano has overcome as much adversity as anyone in professional sports. She’ll be back inside the cage quickly. Ronda Rousey is apparently going to do a movie, and in the post-fight presser, wouldn’t tell us what it was. So stay tuned.

Holly Holm defeats Raquel Pennington via split decision: This was a striking war that had some intense moments, but ultimately remained pretty up in the air as the final bell rung. Raquel showed great power and control as usual, but Holly Holm kept the distance and ultimately won using her distance striking.

What’s next: Holly Holm is being regarded as the next great women’s prodigy, so much so they are already talking about her vs. Ronda Rousey. I say not yet; let Holly fight Cat Zigano before Ronda.

Raquel Pennington is 26, gets better every time she’s in the cage, and we can expect to see her fighting in 2-3 months.

Jake Ellenberger submits Josh Koscheck in Rd2: Both of these guys needed this win. Koscheck threw some amazing jabs, and secured an early takedown in round 1. Round 2 continued until Ellenberger caught Koscheck in a beautiful guillotine choke. This was a tough submission to get against a really experience wrestler.

What’s next: Jake Ellenberger finally quieted some of the critics who have complained about his slow fight style. We’ll see Jake again, he’s taking on the savvy veteran fighter role previously held by Jake Shield.

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On the flip side, UFC fans need to prepare to see Josh Koscheck fight in the Bellator cage after his last three fights.

Alan Jouban defeats Richard Walsh in Rd1: Alan Jouban threw a nasty elbow and KO’d Australia’s own Richard Walsh. Walsh started okay with a great knee to the body of Jouban, but he came back in stunning fashion.

What’s next: Alan Jouban is a seriously talented young fighter that has skills he has yet to display inside the cage. Expect him to fight a seriously contender in the welterweight division. As for Richard Walsh, I really like him as a fighter. We’ll see him inside the cage again soon, he fought a tough guy.

Tony Ferguson defeats Gleison Tibau in Rd1. Tony Ferguson is damn good. He started by softening up Tibau, an experienced and talented opponent, with some punishing body kicks. Tibau then tried to shoot in for a double leg takedown, and Ferguson quickly transitioned to his back and sunk in the rear naked choke.

What’s next: Tony Ferguson said in the post-fight presser, he’ll be winning his way through his division’s top 10. I believe him, and the next time we see him in the cage it will be against a marquee opponent. Tibau will be back, but not for a top 10 fight.

Some Prelim Highlights

  • Roan Carniero put Mark Munoz to sleep with a choke so vicious Carniero had to tell the referee the fight was over.
  • Roman Salazar and Norifumi Yamamoto had a heated match until Salazar gets scratched in the eye and can’t see.
  • Tim Means violently knocked out Dhiego Lima
  • And finally, Derrick Lewis and Ruan Potts have one of the best MMA fights of the year before Derrick Lewis ends the fight with strikes.
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Conclusion

In a surprise announcement Dana White said at the post-fight presser he’d be giving out performances bonuses to four fighters: Rousey, Means, Ellenberger, and Ferguson.

Dana was so excited he promised to “take care of the other guys also.” If you don’t speak Dana, this means he was so happy he wrote cheques to all the fighters who won via submission or KO.

I get his excitement; this was an action packed card that made a sincere statement about how popular the women’s division is in the UFC. Seriously, what will Ronda do next?

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