Valentina controlled every aspect of that fight in the 1st round and only round where fighting occurred. She controlled the striking, and the grappling, she had two take downs, and was in dominant position the whole time they were on the ground. She had several submission attempts and did some gnp. To Liz's credit she was able to defend. Near the end of the round Valentina had dropped her and Liz was on her back. Valentina took her leg to ankle lock her and Liz kicked her as Valentina went to apply it. There is some controversy on whether that kick was legal or illegal. That kick caused a cut on Valentina's right side of her head.
The doctor and state came to look at it between rounds and asked Valentina if she wanted to continue. She said yes, yes, yes. The doctor however decided to stop the fight just as the second round was about to start. Hence the TKO retirement. I think seeing women in a bloody fight wasn't something they were ready for yet.
Valentina was stronger than Carmouche in all areas.
Valentina has trained Sambo and other grappling arts since she was 5 years old. Just because she is elite striker does not negate that background. Your comment on the clinch. Valentina has one of the most dominate clinch games in the world.