Ronda Rousey's Next Opponent Bethe Correia Wears Thong To Weigh In [PHOTOS]
GREG BEACHAM, AP Sports Writer
UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will return to the octagon against Brazil's unbeaten Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 1.
Rousey and UFC President Dana White announced the headlining pay-per-view matchup Friday during a news conference in Brazil.
Rousey (11-0) finished her fifth title defense in a stunning 14 seconds last month, defeating Cat Zingano with an armbar at UFC 184 in Los Angeles. The fastest submission victory in UFC championship history was the latest in a string of impressive stoppages for the sport's most dominant champion, who has won her last three fights in a combined 96 seconds.
After contemplating an extended break to make another film, Rousey instead chose a summer bout with Correia (9-0), who has called her out repeatedly and rudely. Correia also has beaten two of Rousey's training partners, Shayna Baszler and Jessamyn Duke.
"I would definitely say this is a personal fight," Rousey said. "My dad had a great saying when somebody needed to be shown what's up. He'd say, 'This person needs to have a come-to-Jesus meeting.' Bethe is going to have her own come-to-Jesus meeting in Brazil. ... I don't just want to defeat her. I want her to leave that arena embarrassed, and the best way to do it is to come here and beat her in her own backyard."
Correia has angled for this title shot for years, but will be a heavy underdog against the champion. The UFC is running out of legitimate opponents for Rousey, but Correia is the most respected remaining contender in the 135-pound division, which Rousey has ruled since its inception.
"I'm going to beat Ronda," Correia said through a translator. "I'm going to make her feel the weight of my hand. She is coming here, and she is going to leave the belt here. ... The Brazilian crowd puts on a lot of burden. I'm sure she will feel the weight."
Rousey has never fought an MMA bout outside North America, but she traveled the world during her career in judo, which culminated in a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Correia could have a vociferous home crowd behind her at Rio's HSBC Arena, but Rousey also is popular in Brazil.
"I promised the Brazilian fans I'd do whatever I could to come down here and fight," Rousey said. "I'm happy to come down here and entertain you guys while I discipline this girl."
Rousey is an actor with roles in the upcoming "Entourage" film and the seventh installment of the "Fast and Furious" franchise. She had spoken of taking extended time off this summer to make another movie, but changed her plans.
"I'm only in movies because I fight," Rousey said. "I don't move fights around for movies. I move movies around for fights. I asked for this fight in August, and the movies will just have to make way for it, and that's it."
The UFC 190 card also will feature a rematch between Brazilian veterans Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, White said. Rua beat Nogueira by decision in the Pride Fighting Championships in 2005.
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