The Rise and Fall of Ronda Rousey in UFC
Ronda Rousey, a former Olympic bronze medalist in judo, became the UFC’s top star from 2013-2015. She won the Strikeforce bantamweight title in 2012 before being promoted as the UFC women’s bantamweight title following the Strikeforce-UFC merger.
After that, she went on to have the one most dominant reign of any MMA champion, male or female. She was considered as the baddest woman in the planet.
But as they say, nothing lasts forever. On November 15, 2015, Rousey defended her title against Holly Holm in front of the largest crowd ever in UFC history at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
It was supposed to be just another easy outing for Ronda but a high kick to the neck floored Rousey and ended her dominant three year reign as UFC women’s bantamweight title. What followed was a serious period of depression that led to her contemplating suicide at one point.
The loss was so deflating that Rousey made herself scarce to media and to the public eye for one year. Then she made her highly anticipated return against the woman who held the belt that once belonged to her.
But instead of getting redemption, Ronda Rousey got smoked by Amanda Nunes in just 48 seconds. She was unable to land a shot nor take Nunes to the ground. The Lioness dropped one powerful punch after another and gave Ronda Rousey her second straight defeat.
She later retired from the sport of MMA in 2016, got inducted into the UFC hall of fame then decided to make a run in the WWE.
Ronda Rousey hasn't competed in the WWE since her loss at WrestleMania 35 in April 2019 but seems to be enjoying life away from the limelight.
The rise and fall of Ronda Rousey in UFC is a story of immense success followed by crushing defeat. It's a reminder that even the most dominant athletes can face setbacks and struggles.
Rousey's journey from Olympic success to UFC stardom to facing defeat and finding a new path in WWE is a testament to her resilience and determination.
The early years of Rousey's MMA career were marked by unparalleled dominance. Her judo background and fierce fighting style made her a force to be reckoned with in the octagon. She quickly rose through the ranks, capturing titles and earning a reputation as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport.
Her reign as the UFC women’s bantamweight champion was nothing short of legendary. She seemed unbeatable, finishing opponents with her signature armbar and striking fear into the hearts of her competitors. Rousey became a symbol of empowerment for women in combat sports, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way.
However, her invincibility was put to the test when she faced Holly Holm in 2015. The shocking defeat sent shockwaves through the MMA world and marked a turning point in Rousey's career.
The loss took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being, leading to a period of introspection and self-doubt.
Her comeback fight against Amanda Nunes ended in another devastating loss, leaving Rousey at a crossroads in her career. The once indomitable champion was now grappling with failure and uncertainty.
It was a humbling experience for Rousey, who had to come to terms with her vulnerabilities and redefine her identity outside of MMA.
Retiring from MMA and transitioning to WWE allowed Rousey to explore new opportunities and pursue a different path.
While her time in WWE was also met with challenges, it provided her with a fresh start and a chance to reinvent herself in a new arena.
Today, Ronda Rousey may no longer be dominating the headlines in MMA or WWE, but her impact on both sports is undeniable.
Her journey serves as a reminder that success is not always linear and that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and reinvention.
As Rousey continues to enjoy life away from the limelight, her legacy as a trailblazer in combat sports endures. Her resilience in the face of adversity and her willingness to embrace change serve as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike.
The rise and fall of Ronda Rousey in UFC is a story of triumph, defeat, and ultimately, resilience.
