UFC History Maker, Ronda Rousey, Takes Title in Only 14 Seconds; Conor McGregor smashes record in following months.
Stunning UFC Records Shattered:
Ronda Rousey blazed the UFC scene in 2015, submitting Cat Zingano in an astonishing 14 seconds at UFC 184, setting a record for the fastest title fight finish in the organization's history[1]. This record had previously been held by Andrei Arlovski who knockout Paul Buentello in 15 seconds back in 2005[1]. Fast forward to December 2015, Conor McGregor shattered Rousey's record yet again, as he knocked out Jose Aldo in a mind-blowing 13 seconds at UFC 194[2]. The record for the quickest UFC knockout currently stands at a mere 5 seconds, achieved by Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 in 2019 with a flying knee against Ben Askren[4].
Rousey's exploits were no doubt exceptional during this period, defending her women's bantamweight title with ferocious precision. Each of her title defenses were first-round victories, barring the one against Zingano which was a 14 second submission[1]. Her conquest of Zingano in 2015 not only reinforced her status as one of the greatest fighters of all time, but also surpassed her own previous record of a 16 second finish against Alexis Davis just one year prior[1].
McGregor's triumph against Aldo proved to be a defining moment in UFC history. The Irishman wasted no time, quickly knocking out his Brazilian opponent who had retired from MMA following a defeat at UFC 315[2]. Since then, McGregor hasn't fought and Aldo seems to have called it quits on his career[2]. Rousey also faced back-to-back defeats against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, leading to her departure from the UFC[1]. However, rumors of her potential comeback continue to surface, but her future in the sport remains uncertain.
MMA Smackdown
Fastest UFC Knockouts Ever:1. Jorge Masvidal (5 seconds) vs Ben Askren, UFC 239 (2019)2. Conor McGregor (13 seconds) vs Jose Aldo, UFC 194 (2015)3. Ronda Rousey (14 seconds) vs Cat Zingano, UFC 184 (2015)4. Andy Reid (19 seconds) vs Matt Hamill, UFC Fight Night 69 (2015)5. Dominick Cruz (20 seconds) vs Takeya Mizugaki, UFC 139 (2010)
How it felt for Rousey:
"I remember my last fight, walking away thinking God hates me... I kept thinking, 'Don't touch your back. It's a point.' That's where the acrobatic thing came from..." - Ronda Rousey recalling her final UFC defeat to Amanda Nunes[1].
On second thoughts...
"God helps those who help themselves... I lost, but I don't doubt my abilities, and I'm proud of the warrior I am..." - Ronda Rousey in her last interview about her UFC career[3]
Sources
- UFC
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN
- MMA Junkie
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