10 UFC Events That Changed The Game

So, this game-changing event wasn't one in the traditional PPV sense, yet it cannot be understated just how important the signing of Ronda Rousey was for the UFC in 2012.

Her signature came off the back of UFC's purchase of Strikeforce in 2011 and, as Rousey was that promotion's current Bantamweight Champion, she was awarded the title when Dana White decided to add women to UFC's roster for the first time in the company's history.

Rousey took part in the inaugural women's fight on a UFC card at UFC 157 and defended her title successfully against Liz Carmouche. This would lead to a dominant reign as UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion and Rousey would set the record (six) for most UFC women's titles defences, before she became the first woman inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

However, the game-changing didn't stop at Rousey.

Her signing opened the door for more and more women to ply their trade in the Octagon and before long the company had conceived Straw, Feather and Fly weight-classes to make up four competitive women's divisions.

The likes of Amanda Nunes, Cris Cyborg, Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Valentina Shevchenko all got a chance to make a name for themselves as top fighters inside the cage under the UFC banner and it's hard to look past Rousey's initial signing as the firm catalyst for all of their success in the company.