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Ronda Rousey family, friends stunned by knockout in UFC video

Holm reveals what she told Rousey in post-fight embrace.

By Scott Smith
Cast member Ronda Rousey attends the premiere of the motion picture thriller "The Expendables 3" at TCL Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 2014. Rousey lost her UFC bantamweight champion title last weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 5 | Cast member Ronda Rousey attends the premiere of the motion picture thriller "The Expendables 3" at TCL Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 2014. Rousey lost her UFC bantamweight champion title last weekend. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Everyone was stunned by Ronda Rousey's brutal knockout at the hands and feet of Holly Holm, not least of all Rousey's own family and friends.

UFC released video showing their devastated reactions as Holm methodically picked apart the bantamweight champion, bloodying her face until the end came with a series of punches and a kick to the head that sent her to the mat, followed by another couple of punches to the head before the referee stopped the fight.

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Holm's father and husband showed the polar opposite nearby, practically levitating with jubilation after the victory.

Holm embraced and spoke to Rousey in the Octagon after taking the belt. She told Larry King what she said in an interview released Friday: "I really admire you for being such a great, dominant champion. None of us would be here without you, so I appreciate you."

Rousey was in trouble for much of the fight, appearing to be outclassed by Holm, a former boxer used to beating opponents while standing up. Rousey's strength is in her ground game, which Holm thwarted throughout the match.

Rousey's future as a fighter is not clear, with one fellow competitor – UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo – suggesting that she'd be smart to retire and take advantage of her celebrity with acting roles before her face gets more beat up.

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Rousey appeared to have a torn lip and was seen after the fight at LAX in Los Angeles covering her face with a pillow.

Rousey is under a six-month medical suspension as a result of the knockout. The suspension can be reduced if a CT scan shows she did not suffer brain damage.

Best feeling in the world. Still trying to process and take it all in. There aren't enough words to express what I am feeling. Thank you @ufc for the opportunity and most of all thank you to my team for believing in me. All the hours in the gym and all the years of dedication to help me get to this moment. This is a priceless moment and I could not have done this on my own. @mmacoachwink its been 17 years and one hell of a ride. Let's see where it goes from here! Greg Jackson and @izzystylewrestling ... My transition to mma would not be possible without you. All of the coaching and teammates @jacksonwink_mma ...... You are my family and love you all so much! I only hope to make you proud and be a good champion. And to all of my fans..... I would not be able to live the dream without you. Much love to you all!! Big hugs to everyone! #ANDNEW 😉

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A photo posted by Holly Holm (@_hollyholm) on

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