That was exactly what she did. I think people underestimated Holly and her ability strike and gauge distance. Watching her footwork and ability to strike with precision, she tore Ronda apart. I'm a Rousey fan, but I was definitely concerned with her strategy. As Holm's coach, Greg Jackson, stated, they stuck to the game plan and watched the Chuck Liddell/Rashad Evans fight and basically, they counterpunched and basically used that game plan to let Ronda be the aggressor and pick her apart. People forget Holly was a multiple time world boxing champion. Throw in her reach advantage and Ronda's aggressive style and it was a perfect storm.
I agree with this. I think many have talked about Rousey's weaknesses before and they were right back then as well. It's just that no other woman had been able to dictate the fight before, but instead Rhonda was able to dictate the fight. Rhonda should have been more patient (and been in better cardio condition), and eventually tied her up and gotten her against the cage where she could throw Holly and then dictate the fight from the ground. Holly, to her credit, didn't let her do that.
Holly gave everyone the blueprint for beating Rousey if they're able to deploy the same mobility and footwork. It's easy to talk about, but I'm sure Holly wasn't the first woman to enter the cage with Rousey with that as their game plan. IMO, the striking fight they had is more exciting than a 30 second takedown followed by submission. So this fight might not have been good for Rousey, but in the long run it may be better for the UFC.
People talk about Cyborg and say she would destroy Rousey. I don't know. Maybe she could. She certainly has the striking power to do it, but I really don't know if she has the defensive ability to maintain the distance that Holly did. Or the ability to stuff a submission. Rousey had a chance to get something, but Holly, to her credit, defended it. I have no idea whether Cyborg has those type of skills. I don't know the skill level of the fighters she's faced.