Ronda Rousey to become first female UFC fighter

Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

It's looking like UFC president Dana White's recent talk about WMMA coming to the sport's premier promotion will happen sooner rather than later. White's made it no secret that he's become a big fan of WMMA's biggest star and Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

Rumors are surfacing now about Rousey's move to the UFC from TMZ:

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.

Rousey has been fighting in Strikeforce since last year and emerged as a superstar ... beating the living crap out of just about everybody she's faced. In fact, she's undefeated.

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.

TMZ also said that a Strikeforce representative declined to comment on the situation and right now they're the only source on the news. If this gets confirmed it will be a huge win for WMMA. The rumor about Strikeforce is unsurprising and probably a relief to many in their underscheduled roster.

UPDATE: MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani has more on the story

MMAFighting.com confirmed with sources close to the promotion that both news items are in fact true and more information is expected to be released early next week.

It is unknown at this time when Rousey and the rest of the Strikeforce women will make their debuts in the UFC.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/11/8/3620524/report-ronda-rousey-to-become-first-female-ufc-fighter-wmma/in/3385143