Ronda Rousey reportedly to be the first female UFC fighter

A report from TMZ says Ronda Rousey, the Strikeforce bantamweight champion, will be one of the first two women to fight in the Octagon. According to the report, Rousey will defend her title in the UFC in 2013.

Rousey has taken the fight world by storm since debuting as a pro in May of 2011. The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in judo has six straight wins. All were first-round submissions. She has also reached levels of popularity only known to the most elite fighters. Rousey was on the cover of ESPN the Magazine's "Body Issue," and headlined two Strikeforce shows in 2012.

An opponent has not been named, but a rematch with Miesha Tate or a grudge match with Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos are both possibilities.

The other wrinkle to TMZ's report is that the Strikeforce show on Jan. 12 will be the promotion's last. As we mentioned Thursday, the January fights will have every male Strikeforce champion defend his belt, so it would be a fitting end to the promotion. With Rousey, one of their most bankable stars, headed to Strikeforce's sister company, there won't be many draws left.