In her first statement following a devastating loss to Holly Holm in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 193, former women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey promised a comeback, but will be taking a time off from the sport.
The second round knockout loss to Holm was the first in Rousey's mixed martial arts (MMA) career as it also snapped a six-fight winning streak in the UFC which were all title defenses.
For the first time in her career, Rousey was outclassed as Holm used her accurate striking and also displayed splendid footwork.
In an Instagram post, Rousey stated following the loss, "I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support. I appreciate the concerns about my health, but I'm fine. As I mentioned before I am going to take a little bit of time, but I'll be back."
Some worried about Rousey's condition after the fight because the kick that Holm used to knock her out landed cleanly on the side of her head, and as she went down her head bounced to the mat of the octagon.
Holm then followed the kick with a number of hammer fists which may have busted Rousey's lip before referee Herb Dean stepped in.
After the fight, Rousey was reported to have been hospitalized but no significant injury was suffered.
Before the title fight against Holm, Rousey already defended the title twice this year against Cat Zingano and Bethe Correia, with both fights combining for just 48 seconds.
Holm also became only the second fighter that made it past the first round against Rousey.
Despite Rousey taking a rest, UFC president Dana White and Holm had the same sentiment that it is ideal for the former champion to have an immediate rematch.
Both expressed the idea of the possible rematch during the post-fight press conference of UFC 193.
