We lived to the hype, says Rousey

MANILA, Philippines – The women's bantamweight title fight between champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Liz Carmouche over the weekend was an astounding success.

Yahoo! Sport's Kevin Iole said UFC's first ever women's fight was so much of a barnburner that it overshadowed the disappointing co-main event in UFC 157.

“When [Lyoto] Machida won a sleep-inducing split decision [over Dan Henderson] in the co-main event, Rousey and Carmouche went out and put on a dynamic show that brought down the house,” said Iole in his report.

He said the live gate receipts at the Honda Center showed that it was obvious that people wanted to see the main event between Rousey and Carmouche.

“All 15,525 fans who jammed the Honda Center and paid a $1.4 million gate were there to see if Rousey could stretch her incredible run of first-round arm bars to 10 in 10 amateur and professional fights,” said Iole.

Rousey formalized her reign as UFC women’s bantamweight champion by defeating Carmouche via an arm bar in the first round of their title fight.

It wasn’t an easy win for the 2-time Olympian, who had to survive Carmouche's neck crank attack before winning by tap out.

Rousey said she is glad that they were able to deliver a good show amid the criticisms against women in MMA.

"From the sound of what the crowd was like tonight, it seemed like everyone was really happy and really liked the show… All the people who had a good time tonight, I'm happy you were entertained," she said in MMA Fighting.

Carmouche said she is pleased to play a part in the historical fight.

"This is a monumental mark in history, and to participate in that is, words can't even explain. I'm looking forward to coming back to reclaim myself," said the former US Marine.