Germaine de Randamie accomplished her dream at this past Saturday’s UFC 208 when she defeated Holly Holm by unanimous decision to become the first UFC featherweight champion.
In a way, de Randamie’s reign has gotten off to a bad start. Controversy ensued when many felt the Dutch striker hit Holm with three total illegal strikes in rounds two and three. The new champion appeared on a Thursday conference call and said she didn’t throw any cheap shots at the former women’s bantamweight champion.
“I never threw any dirty shots,” de Randamie said on a Thursday conference call. “I never threw any cheap shots around the referee. As soon as he stepped in and put his arm in, I stopped. Of course, I try to hear the bell and stop, but sometimes when you’re in the heat of the moment you’re in the fight. You get hit, you hit somebody.”
Holm is appealing the decision and the actions of referee Todd Anderson who she feels didn’t step in to stop de Randamie from punching her after the horn had sounded. The champion respects what Holm is doing but still thinks she won the fight, fair and square.
“If Holly believes the point deductions are the reason she lost the fight, and she’s looking to make it a no-contest or a draw, she should simply put out the offer for a rematch I put out,” de Randamie said. “If she feels that way there’s nothing I can say much about. I respect everyone’s opinion, I truly do. I believe I was the fair winner, I believe I had the better shots, I believe I dominated the standup. I understand Holly is sad she lost the fight. I’m sad certain occasions happened during the fight that was not in my plan and not intentional. … I believe justice will be served and the athletic commission will make the right decision.”
