Ronda Rousey set for UFC 193 in Melbourne
As we edge closer to UFC 193, excitement is building ahead of what could be one of the UFC's biggest-ever events. Held at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, the stacked card could be watched by more than 50,000 spectators inside the impressive arena. Headlined by women's bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey defending her title against former boxing world champion Holly Holm, this historic event will be co-headlined by women's strawweight champion Joanne Jedrzeiczyk taking on Canada's Valerie Letourneau.
Aside from the two women's title fights, there are a host of intriguing bouts scattered throughout the card, including a heavyweight rematch between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva as well as a fascinating middleweight meeting between the exciting Uriah Hall and Australia's Robert Whittaker. While many of the other main card fights look extremely tough to call, highlighted by the tight odds many of the bouts have with the likes of Bet365, the two title fights look set to be slightly more one-sided affairs.
Women's Bantamweight Title
Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm: If you're new to Mixed Martial Arts and just looking at this fight on paper, you could be forgiven for thinking the women's 135lb title bout is going to be an even match-up between two unbeaten fighters. While reigning champion Ronda Rousey has an Olympic judo bronze medal on her CV, her opponent was a multiple-time boxing world champion before making the permanent switch to MMA in 2013. Both fighters have done wonders for women's combat sports during their careers, but it's highly likely we're going to see just why Rousey is viewed as the greatest female athlete in the world on November 14 in Melbourne.
Having beaten Misha Tate to claim the Strikeforce Bantamweight title in 2012, Rousey became the first women's champion in UFC history when she submitted Liz Carmouche in February of 2013. Since then, Rousey has gone on to continue her incredible record of finishing every opponent she has ever faced, most recently knocking out Bethe Correia in Brazil at UFC 190. For Holm, however, her two appearances inside the Octagon have been somewhat underwhelming, both ending in decision victories that haven't done much to convince the MMA world that she is on, or anywhere near, Rousey's ridiculously high level.
Women's Strawweight Title
Joanne Jedrzeiczyk vs. Valerie Letourneau: Having unceremoniously ended Carla Esparza's brief stint as the UFC's first-ever strawweight champion with a second round stoppage, Poland's Joanne Jedrzeiczyk made her maiden defence against Jessica Penne in June, winning the fight in similarly emphatic style. With four UFC wins to her name, the unbeaten 28-year old has enhanced her reputation as one of MMA's most fearsome strikers, and there aren't many who can see her reign coming to an end at the hands of the unfancied Valerie Letourneau.
The Canadian secured a surprise shot at the title after beating Maryna Moroz in August, leapfrogging the injured Claudia Gadelha in the queue. While Letourneau has done everything right during her time in the UFC, picking up three straight points victories, it's not a huge surprise to see Jedrzeiczyk heading into this fight as an overwhelming favourite with some bookmakers.
For the latest UFC previews and betting odds for UFC 193 in Melbourne, check back with Before You Bet where we will also be offering our UFC betting tips.
