The Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm fight exploded in publicity this weekend, being covered almost everywhere after Holm head kicked her way to the UFC Bantamweight Championship. However, one former WWE Superstar isn’t convinced.
Former ECW Champion and WWE/TNA color commentator Taz seems to to think that the UFC 193 main event was fixed, or that the two combatants worked the finish of the fight, despite the fact that Rousey went out cold. CBS Local Sports provided a transcript of today’s Bodyslammed and Beyond show.
“Why are some people not seeing this? This has been done in the wrestling industry for years. A guy or girl is going to take a break or go away, or has an injury that they have to tend to, whatever the reasons are, and they’re a champion – you take the championship off of them. You do not want your champion sitting home or making a movie, ‘Roadhouse 2′ or whatever Rousey’s going to do, or whatever Rousey’s going to do, or just needs a personal break, which she’s earned. This girl’s earned it. But you don’t want that person sitting home for five, six, seven months with that championship. It’s bad for business! Take the belt off her!,” Taz said
While Taz remained steadfast in that he thought the fight was a work, he said he wasn’t sure if both fighters were actually in on the work or not.
“Yes, I saw it too,” Taz said. “And many other people on the card got punched in the face, and kicked in the chest, and stomped on the head. And the bulk of all those fights you’re watching are legit, finish and everything, no doubt. But the bigger bouts, just like in boxing, the finish is predetermined. Now, here’s the other little catch for you: not each of the fighters is in on the work! Unlike pro wrestling, it’s a shoot. Not each fighter is in on the work. I’m tellin’ ya.”
Taz continued, saying that he thought the entire last series between Holm and Rousey was a big part of the work. It’s worth noting that the UFC, their promoters, the referee, and both fighters would be at the risk of major punishment — and likely a lifetime ban — in the event that a fight was worked.
“If you look at the actual K.O. – now, she did get nailed, Rousey, with several shots before the finish of the fight. Nothing that was like ‘oh my god,’ but she got popped a few times. But if you look at the actual knockout, as Rousey, she went for kind of a lazy punch or something – not lazy but she kind of missed – and as she spun to turn around her back was kind of turned to Holm. And as she slowly turned, a high round kick, I believe it was the left foot, or left leg of Holm, catches Rousey, drops Rousey, and then Holm grounds and pounds for three shots – boom, boom, boom. Ref gets in the middle, fight’s over, new champion Holly Holm. I’m telling you right now, that whole series, was the work. And I’m not sure who was in on it and who wasn’t but I know this much: the ref probably wasn’t in on it. Maybe he was I don’t know. Rousey was in on it – and again, this is all my opinion. Holm might not have been in on it.”
