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17th Nov 2015

Former WWF star’s bizarre claim that Holly Holm’s win over Ronda Rousey was ‘a fix’

Seriously?

Ben Kiely

If anyone’s an expert on staging fights, it’s probably a professional wrestler.

Former WWF (before it became WWE) wrestler Taz has finally weighed in his opinion on the main event of UFC 193… because that’s what fight fans have been waiting for.

Taz admited on his podcast that he couldn’t get on board with the fact that Holly Holm legitimately knocked out Ronda Rousey with that thunderous head kick to become the new UFC women’s bantamweight champion.

While everyone else saw it as the shock, but totally legitimate fight it was, he broke down why he believes the fight was a fix on his podcast.

“Why are some people not seeing this? This has been done in the wrestling industry for years.”

“A guy or girl is going to take a break or go away, or has an injury that they have to tend to, whatever the reasons are, and they’re a champion – you take the championship off of them.”

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 ?

A photo posted by Holly Holm (@_hollyholm) on

Rousey’s superstar status has seen her land an increasing number of movie roles. She has had parts in The Expendables III, Entourage and Fast and Furious 7, and has recently been announced to star in the Roadhouse reboot.

The media work she is getting outside the cage has given rise to rumours that she may call quits on her fighting career sometime soon. Taz reckons this played a factor in what he claims is an alleged fix.

“You do not want your champion sitting home or making a movie, ‘Roadhouse 2′ or whatever Rousey’s going to do, or just needs a personal break, which she’s earned. This girl’s earned it. But you don’t want that person sitting home for five, six, seven months with that championship. IT’S BAD FOR BUSINESS! TAKE THE BELT OFF HER!”

Taz admitted that Holm’s knockout was legitimate, but then he added this:

“If you look at the actual K.O. – now, she did get nailed, Rousey, with several shots before the finish of the fight.”

“I’m telling you right now, that whole series, was the work. And I’m not sure who was in on it and who wasn’t but I know this much: the ref probably wasn’t in on it. Maybe he was I don’t know. Rousey was in on it – and again, this is all my opinion. Holm might not have been in on it.”

It should be noted that there is absolutely no evidence of any untoward behaviour during UFC 193, and Taz’s comments have not been backed up by those inside or outside the sport.