Ronda Rousey promises UFC return following Holly Holm knockout loss but will take a break first

Rousey suffered the first UFC knockout of her career on Sunday as Holly Holm won the bantamweight title in Melbourne

Ronda Rousey is treated after being knocked out by Holly Holm (Getty Images)

Ronda Rousey has promised to return to the Octagon after suffering the first defeat of her Ultimate Fighting Championship career in a devastating finish by Holly Holm, but not before she takes a break from the sport.

Undefeated Rousey went into the bout a heavy favourite with the bookmakers’ after winning all 12 of her previous fights. However, Holm stunned the world with a brutal kick that knocked out Rousey after displaying the perfect game plan to out-box the 28-year-old American.

Rousey was taken to hospital after the fight where she was seen by a plastic surgeon regarding the horrific facial injuries she suffered, but after staying overnight it was confirmed that she had not suffered a concussion or any other serious injuries other than a nasty gash to her lip.

Speaking on Monday after losing her bantamweight title during the UFC 193 clash in Melbourne, Rousey said on Instagram: “I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support. I appreciate the concerns about my health, but I'm fine. As I had mentioned before, I'm going to take a little bit of time, but I'll be back.”

 

A photo posted by rondarousey (@rondarousey) on Nov 15, 2015 at 5:57pm PST

Holm said afterwards that her next fight could well be a rematch with Rousey, although given the way the former boxer outclassed the ex-Olympic bronze medallist it would be a surprise to see the pair in the Octagon again anytime soon.

Holly Holm celebrates her victory over Ronda Rousey (Getty Images)

Holly Holm catches Ronda Rousey with a left hook (Getty Images)

Ronda Rousey is rocked as Holly Holm delivers a knockout kick to win the UFC bantamweight title (Getty Images)

“I think a rematch makes sense for sure,” said Holm. “I’ve been on a losing side of a fight and I wanted the rematch; I wanted to avenge my loss.

“With a champion like Ronda who has gone out of her way, above and beyond to do great things, absolutely she deserves a rematch.”

"Unbelievable!" @_HOLLYHOLM drops @RondaRousey out cold to win the women's bantamweight title. #UFC193 https://t.co/MDPbMooJQJ

— BT Sport UFC (@btsportufc) November 15, 2015

Rousey was expected to fight on the UFC 200 card in Las Vegas on 9 July next year, but UFC president Dana White admitted that talking about her future was very hard to do after such a comprehensive loss.

"I'm trying to take it in but it's crazy!" @_HOLLYHOLM praises her coaches after stunning @RondaRousey. #UFC193 https://t.co/EmeUcFAiNB

; BT Sport UFC (@btsportufc) November 15, 2015

"The last thing a fighter wants to do is talk about a fight when they lose,” White told TMZ. “There was not a lot of talking.”