What Holly Holm Said To Ronda Rousey After She Beat Her

Holly Holm sent Ronda Rousey down - and then did all she could to pick her up.

Holly Holm has revealed what she told Rousey after her shock UFC bantamweight victory over the previously invincible Rousey, a result which has grabbed worldwide attention.

The 16-1 outsider told news.com.au that she hasn't spoken to Rousey since the contest, but did share a quiet word with her after the referee stopped the contest at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Holm said: "I told her I appreciate her and the reason why any of us have this opportunity is because she's been able to come in and make waves. I appreciate that about her and she's been a good champion."

Rousey had been aggressive at the weigh-in and refused to touch gloves before the fight but Holm was deeply concerned about her opponent after the knock out kick which sent a bloodied Rousey to hospital.

"Trust me, I want the knockout and I want the victory and I'm glad I got it and I'm glad it was by knockout but I never want anyone to actually be permanently injured from anything in a fight," said Holm, a former world boxing champion.

Rousey gave the fight her all but it wasn't enough to stop Holm.

"I have a certain compassion at that moment. I've been on the end of losing a fight and there's a piece of my heart that has compassion towards that because I know how it feels.

"Everything about her is all over the world. She has no privacy in her life. So there's a small amount of compassion. Don't get me wrong, I don't take back anything I did. I'm still happy that I won in devastating fashion. I'm so glad I made a statement and all the hard work paid off but there's still compassion.

"I hope she's doing well and if I know Ronda, she's going to bounce back. She's never let anything get her down too hard."

NZ Herald