Ronda Rousey becomes first woman to join the UFC, Tate to follow

Although UFC President Dana White has gone on record to say that women would never fight in the UFC, it appears that anything can change in MMA. According to TMZ, Rousey has today become the first ever woman to fight in the UFC, moving from Strikeforce and bringing her Women’s Bantamweight championship with her:

“”Ronda Rousey just made MMA history … becoming the very first female fighter to join the UFC … TMZ has learned.

Rousey — a former U.S. Olympian — has officially joined Dana White‘s MMA organization … and automatically becomes the 135 lb Women’s champion.

 

We’re told 25-year-old Ronda will defend her title in 2013 — possible opponents include Sara McMann, Cris Cyborg and rival Miesha Tate.”

Quite a blockbuster announcement, although a lot of recent speculation had Dana White bringing Rousey over to his promotion. Now the speculation will shift to just who Rousey’s first opponent in the UFC will be. Many want the obvious superfight between her and former Strikeforce Women’s 145 lb. champ Cris Cyborg, but Rousey still wants Cyborg to come down to her weight class. Only time will tell. The article also reported on something we have all seen coming:

“And there’s more … sources say Strikeforce, which airs on Showtime, will be running its last event in January before folding up shop for good. A rep for Strikeforce had no comment”

No confirmation on that quite yet. What are your thoughts on a Women’s division within the UFC? Will it add a new exciting angle to the top organization in MMA with Rousey as the face?

Update:

Looks like Rousey’s arch-nemesis, Miesha Tate is also en route to the UFC. “Cupcake” Tate tweeted that she’s excited to fight for the UFC, which can only confirm about the promotion’s serious intentions to create a fully functional Women’s division.

So Stoked to be fighting for the @ufc it’s been a dream of mine for along time! SO happy it’s finally come true:-D

— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) November 9, 2012