Rousey big favourite to win first UFC women’s bout

Rousey big favourite to win first UFC women’s bout

By Michael Gales Feb 13, 2013

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UFC 157 betting on February 23rd sees Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche compete in the first-ever UFC women’s bout for the bantamweight title at the Honda Center, California. Read on for key fight statistics for Rousey vs. Carmouche betting.

Rousey odds on favourite to win

Like most pundits, the oddsmakers at Pinnacle Sports have Ronda Rousey as the overwhelming 1.091* favourite to win the maiden UFC women’s bout and remain undefeated.

In doing so, 26-year-old Rousey would inflict a third defeat onto Liz Carmouche, who can be backed as the massive 9.170* underdog.

28-year-old Carmouche won six fights on the bounce before suffering defeats against Sarah Kaufman and Marloes Coenen, but has since regained her form to win her last two fights.

In comparison, Rousey is undefeated in her six fights, winning all of them inside the first round. Her average fight time lasts a mere 1.36 minutes compared to Carmouche, who often becomes embroiled in long battles spanning an average of 12.15 minutes.

The two fighters will enter the cage at the same height (5’6), with Rousey holding a slight 2 reach advantage over her opponent.

Rousey is renowned for her takedowns, brutal submissions and explosiveness, while Carmouche will look to utilise her strength and striking.

Striking – Carmouche may hold the advantage

If Carmouche has a chance of upsetting the odds, she must keep the fight off the mat. Despite having a 2 reach disadvantage, Carmouche will try to land big striking blows on her opponent.

Carmouche possesses an array of striking skills, including Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate. These undoubtedly help the American land an impressive 4.53 strikes per minute, with an accuracy of 56% and five of her eight wins have come by way of knockout.

Although Rousey’s striking numbers are not as high – 1.87 strikes landed per – that doesn’t mean she can’t pack a punch. She showed against Miesha Tate that when it comes to trading blows, she can give as good as she gets.

Carmouche must avoid both Rousey’s clinching attempts and jab; otherwise she will be in trouble. Rousey, on the other hand, will attempt to close the distance safely in order to take the fight to the mat.

In terms of striking defence, Rousey avoids 66% of her opponent’s strikes, while Carmouche has a defence of just 54% and absorbs 3.72 strikes per minute.

Wrestling – Rousey is an expert on the mat

With her Olympic credentials and six wins via submission, Rousey has mastered the art of wrestling on the mat.

Renowned wrestler Miesha Tate was the first fighter to take Rousey down, and she paid for it minutes later when Rousey made her tap out.

Rousey has won all six of her fights in the first round via an armbar submission, which showcases her unbelievable power on the mat and her preference to take the fight to the ground as quickly as possible.

In comparison Carmouche has just two wins by submission, but has a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which proves she has a decent ground game.

However, with an average of 2.45 takedowns per 15-minutes and an accuracy of just 35%, Carmouche’s best chances of victory should be on her feet.

Rousey, meanwhile, attempts 11.69 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a success rate of 63%.

Will Rousey remain undefeated and win the first-ever women’s UFC bout or will Carmouche upset the odds and turn the bout on its head?

Click here for the latest UFC 157 odds.

*Odds subject to change

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