SAO PAULO – The first and only UFC women’s bantamweight champion puts her title on the line Saturday in Melbourne, and a fellow UFC star believes there’s no competition for her inside the Octagon.

Vitor Belfort, who held the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2004 and won a heavyweight tournament in 1997, is a fan of "Rowdy’s" success since joining the promotion in 2013

"Ronda is a shark that swims alone in the ocean," Belfort told the media during UFC Fight Night 77 fight week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, days before knocking out Dan Henderson for a second time.

"Her rise, where she can get is way beyond. I’m happy for her, for women, for this growth. It’s her moment, and she’s enjoying it. She’s the champion, she does her job well done, and hats off to her. I admire a lot what she can do."

Rousey (12-0) first defended her UFC tile with a first-round submission over Liz Carmouche, quickly improving to 6-0 with wins over Miesha Tate, Sara McMann, Alexis Davis, Cat Zigano and most recently Bethe Correia.

"Rowdy" now meets undefeated Holly Holm (9-0) in the main event of Australia’s UFC 193.