Holly Holm's Heartfelt Message to Ronda Rousey After Win

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.

"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.

Photo: Getty Images

"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."

Rousey has recovered physically following the defeat and her trainer Mike Dolce has backed his charge to mentally return a better fighter.

Rousey was taken to hospital after the fight on Sunday. On Monday she recovered sufficiently to assure fans: "I'll be back".

-NZ Herald