Former UFC Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey’s much hyped comeback to the ring after 13 long months ended on a whimper on Friday. Defending champion Amanda Nunes retained the belt after just 48 seconds in Las Vegas at UFC 207.

Rousey came into the game as a heavy favourite, despite taking some time off after being humbled by Holly Holm last year. Nunes was on the front foot from the word go and left her opponent little time to react, landing a series of punches on Rousey’s face.

The match was stopped by the referee after 48 seconds and the American was still on her feet, albeit with a nasty gash on her nose. Rousey looked slow on her feet and a pale shadow of the winning machine who picked up six successful title defences with consummate ease.

Brazilian veteran Nunes had won the belt beating Miesha Tate in July, and boy, wasn’t she delighted with this win, which completed a remarkable late rise to the top.