Rousey Makes Sports Illustrated’s List of Top 112 of 2012

Ronda Rousey

Rousey joins SI's top 112 of 2012 list

Sports Illustrated compiled a list of the 112 "most mystifying, monumental, mesmerizing and magical moments, memes and memories of 2012," and Ronda Rousey was the only mixed martial artist to grace the list.

The first-ever UFC women's champion came in at No. 65 out of the 112 with the title "The Rise of Ronda Rousey."

She came one spot ahead of Austin Rivers' incredible three point buzzer beater to carry Duke over North Carolina last February.

Dario Franchitti's third Indianapolis 500 victory came in a spot ahead of Rousey. The victory came seven months after the untimely death of his friend and fellow racer Dan Wheldon.

SI discussed Rousey's quick jump into the forefront of MMA, her nine first round arm bar submission wins, and the fact that she became the first female fighter to sign with the UFC.

Rousey has once again proven just how mainstream she has become and how much further she could rise.

She meets Liz Carmouche in her first title defense in the main event of UFC 157, marking the first time a UFC card has been headlined by a female fight.

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