Ronda Rousey Subs Miesha Tate for Bantamweight Title

Words were exchanged in the pre-fight banter between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey heading into their title fight for the bantamweight championship of the world this Saturday night ( March 2,2012).  Things escalated at the weigh ins when Tate got in Ronda's face, which Rousey returned the favor and shoved right back.

Rousey came into this fight undefeated with all of her wins coming in the first round via armbar.  This fight proved to be much of the same.  Rousey survived the early attack of Tate's and executed her patten judo throws.  She would then lock up an armbar and the fight seemed to over as Tate's arm was cranked in a painful position.

Tate would fight back; however, and get some advantageous positions of her own.  She took the back of Rousey at one point, but was ultimately reversed.  She would then get caught in Rousey's vicious armbar again and there was no escape this time.  The ref was forced to stop the fight and Rousey is now the new bantamweight champion of the world.

The fight was very entertaining and both women put on a show for the fans.  No love was lost; however, as Rousey still seemed livid about the weigh-in incident.  It was a vintage performance for Rousey and Strikeforce now has a new face for woman's mma.  Sure she is attractive, but she definitely has the skills to back it up.  Her reign to the top was meteoric and the sky is the limit for Rousey. 

What's Next For Both Fighters

For Rousey, she is now set to face Sarah Kaufman, who had an excellent showing earlier tonight against Alexis Davis.  Rousey is going to be heavily favored in the match because she has been so dominant in her relatively short career in mixed martial arts.  She seems like a good fit for the promotion and has the potential to dominate the division for a very long time.

For Tate, she needs to keep her nose to the grindstone and continue to develop as a mixed martial arts.  She is the only woman to last more than one minute against Rousey, which is definitely a feather in her cap.  This not withstanding, she definitely has the potential challenge for the title again.  She may want to alter her game plan and be a little more reserved on the feet.