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Ronda Rousey Remains The Undefeated Champion

by Melissah Yang

In an expected win, 28-year-old Ronda Rousey defeated Bethe Correia on Saturday and defended her UFC women's bantamweight title as the undefeated champion. Rousey won by knockout, delivering the final blow just 34 seconds into Round 1. After landing a couple punches, Rousey backed Correia against the cage and sent her right hand straight to Correia's head, effectively knocking out the Brazilian.

Rousey was by far the favorite to win, but the fight was heavily anticipated as a grudge match between the two fighters. Earlier this week, Rousey declared the fight was "personal" after Correia, during the typical pre-fight smack talk, suggested Rousey commit suicide. It was a remark that struck a dark chord with Rousey, whose biological father had taken his own life. Soon after, Correia apologized for her suicide comment, claiming she did not know Rousey's family history.

Rousey has dominated the female fighting world — with Saturday's win, her UFC record now stands at 12 fights, 12 wins, 12 finishes. Most of Rousey's opponents have fallen victim to her brutal and unrelenting armbar. Only one, Miesha Tate, lasted beyond the first round. But Rousey has been working on improving her striking game, and her win by knockout is evidence that she's more than just a one-trick pony.

Along with her definitive wins, Rousey has been enjoying worldwide recognition both as an actress and a mainstream athlete. She was named Best Female Athlete at the ESPY Awards last month, beating out the likes of Serena Williams and Lindsey Vonn. With each win, Rousey is quickly cementing her status as one of the biggest sports stars in the world — female or male.