Chael Sonnen: 'Ronda Rousey's Treatment in MMA Media Was Not Unique'
Chael Sonnen, former UFC title challenger and commentator, recently weighed in on the treatment of Ronda Rousey by the MMA media, asserting that her experience was not unique.
Sonnen expressed his belief that Rousey was treated like every other fighter and that the peaks and valleys of her career were not dissimilar to those of other athletes in the sport.
Ronda Rousey's entrance into the world of professional mixed martial arts in March 2011 marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the sport. Her undeniable talent and ability to execute the arm bar maneuver on her opponents quickly propelled her into the spotlight.
Despite the absence of women's divisions in the UFC at the time, Rousey's star power and unparalleled skills caught the attention of UFC matchmakers, ultimately leading to her becoming the first female fighter signed by the promotion.
Rousey's impact on the sport was monumental, as she played a pivotal role in convincing UFC CEO Dana White to reconsider his stance on women competing in the organization.
Her accomplishments culminated in her becoming the inaugural UFC women's bantamweight champion, a title which she successfully defended six times before experiencing setbacks in her final two fights and ultimately departing from the sport in 2016.
In a recent interview on the “High Performance” podcast, Rousey revealed her feelings of being vilified by the MMA media and expressed her belief that she is not welcomed back in the sport. She conveyed her apprehension about attending UFC events, fearing that she would be met with boos from the audience.
Chael Sonnen responded to Rousey's sentiments, emphasizing that if the public understood that Rousey's career was truly over, they would not boo her.
He underscored that the trajectory of Rousey's career, characterized by soaring highs and dramatic lows, was not unique in the world of sports.
Sonnen acknowledged that while Rousey's peaks and valleys may have been more pronounced than those of other athletes, the treatment she received from the media was consistent with how other fighters are treated.
Reflecting on Rousey's career, Sonnen remarked, "The peaks and the valleys of many other athletes aren't the same. They never rose to the level that Ronda did and therefore that fall was never quite as dramatic.
And that's just something we know about life. What goes up must come down. Not maybe and not sometimes. What goes up must come down."
Sonnen also acknowledged that while Rousey may have perceived an extra level of animosity from fans and the media, there was nothing fundamentally different about the way she was treated compared to other athletes in similar situations.
He stressed that the ebb and flow of success and public perception is an inherent part of being an athlete in the spotlight.
In conclusion, Chael Sonnen's perspective provides valuable insight into the dynamics of public perception and media treatment within the world of professional mixed martial arts.
His assessment serves as a reminder that while Ronda Rousey's journey may have been marked by extraordinary achievements and subsequent challenges, it is ultimately reflective of the broader patterns observed in the careers of elite athletes. As the sport continues to evolve, it is essential to consider the complexities of fame, success, and public scrutiny that accompany athletes at the highest levels of competition.
