Ronda Rousey was presented with the first Ultimate Fighting Championship women's championship belt, and it was announced she will defend it by headlining the Feb. 23 UFC card at Anaheim's Honda Center against Liz Carmouche.
Rousey, 25, a 2008 Olympic judo bronze medalist from Santa Monica, has shot to stardom with a dominating, aggressive fighting style that has produced six first-round victories in six fights.
She will carry the UFC's 135-pound belt.
UFC President Dana White made the announcement Thursday in Seattle while preparing for the fifth UFC on Fox card that will be headlined by the lightweight title fight between champion Benson Henderson and Nate Diaz.
White had long insisted he would not establish a female division in the UFC, but Rousey's energy and charisma proved undeniable.
The personable Rousey caused a stir last week when she told Showtime talk show host Jim Rome that she has "as much sex as possible" before her fights, claiming it raises her testosterone level.
Carmouche, 28, of San Diego, is 7-2 with four knockouts and two submissions.
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