UFC 157 provided many memorable moments. This fight card had it all: a potential fight of the year between featherweights Matt Grice and Dennis Bermudez, Canadian Sam Stout won his bout against Carlos Fodor, and Lyoto Machida earned himself the top contender status in the light heavyweight division,

On a card that featured that many stacked and entertaining fights, there was none that I was more excited for as the main event. The main event was in many ways historic for the UFC and for WMMA (Women’s Mixed Martial Arts) as a whole.

It was the first time that women fought in the UFC as well as the first women’s title fight in UFC history. Former Olympic Judoka and Strikeforce champion Ronda Rousey faced off in the Octagon against former Marine Liz Carmouche.

The two women put on one heck of a show. Rousey came fast right out of the gate and began to use her striking to cover the distance to her opponent. Carmouche met her and as Rousey had her up against the cage both threw some solid shots.

Rousey was then able to drag the fight into her domain – on the mat. Carmouche was able to keep her composure and escape the control of Rousey and take the champion’s back. From there she secured her over under hooks and began looking for a choke.

Rousey was defending well and Carmouche looked to have a nasty neck crank applied tight. Many thought they were about to witness a massive upset at the hands of the challenger. But Rousey, displaying some true heart, was able to shake Carmouche off her back and survive the very close submission attempt.

Rousey was able to land some shots as Carmouche defended on the mat. She then threw a punch and landed in side control. She tied up Carmouche’s head and began hitting her with strikes.

Throughout this exchange Carmouche was constantly trying to escape and take the back of the champ.

Rousey then transitioned into the mount position and began hunting for her opponent’s arm. She pulled off a beautiful roll while attempting to extend the arm and secure the submission, but Carmouche was resilient.

Rousey eventually hooked her arm around the arm of her opponent, pulled it free and extended it until Carmouche had no other choice but to tap.

Carmouche put on an excellent fight. She put Rousey in a bad position and very nearly finished the fight. She displayed heart and toughness that was inspiring to watch.

As expected, Rousey did what she does best. Seven professional fights and seven first round armbar finishes. She broke ground for women fighters the world over and provided an inspiration and role model for many to follow. The star that is Ronda Rousey is soaring higher and burning brighter than ever.

In the end, both women made the main event worth watching. On a night when many doubted their ability, the women came through in spades and announced their presence to the fighting world. They are skilled, entertaining and above all here to stay.