Rousey scores speedy victory over D’Alelio on Strikeforce card

Two-time Olympian Ronda Rousey earned her third submission victory inside of a minute in three career professional fights.

The 24-year-old Californian submitted Sarah D'Alelio in just 25 seconds on a Strikeforce Challengers card at the Palms on Friday night, though the win was somewhat controversial.

Referee Steve Mazzagatti stepped in and called a stop to the fight shortly after Rousey secured a quick armbar, showing the skills that earned her a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics.

D'Alelio never tapped but apparently let out an audible shriek, which technically constitutes a submission. Rousey appeared to look at Mazzagatti after she heard the sound, and he sheepishly ruled the fight over.

"I'm happy with the win, but I wish it would have ended less controversially," Rousey said. "I had the armbar in tight, I thought that I heard her say 'tap,' so I looked towards the referee and he stepped in and stopped the fight."

D'Alelio conceded she might have said, "Aaaa," but that she wasn't trying to tap out.

The controversy overshadowed a terrific performance by Rousey, who has three submission victories in a total of 99 seconds in her young career.

In the main event, Joe Duarte won his fifth straight fight with a unanimous decision over Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Jorge Gurgel in a lightweight bout.

Duarte fared well in the standup exchanges and earned late takedowns in the first and third rounds to earn the favor of the judges.

Nate James upset Danillo Villefort with a unanimous decision victory, and Pat Healy and Derrick Mehman also picked up unanimous decision wins, beating Eric Wisely and Roy Jones, respectively.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.