In November 2015, the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia bore witness to a moment that would change the course of Ronda Rousey's life.
Sitting in the cold, silent medical room, Rousey was grappling with the aftermath of losing her UFC bantamweight title to Holly Holm via a head-kick knockout.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shivered, covered in sweat and tasting blood in her mouth. The echoes of laughter and cheering fans from outside only added to her desolation.
Surrounded by her solemn coaching team, Rousey's mind was a tumult of suicidal thoughts and overwhelming pain, misery, embarrassment, and shame.
She describes this experience as "the worst moment of the worst day" of her life in her new book, "Our Fight."
Amid this despair, Rousey heard eight words from her husband-to-be, Travis Browne, that would serve as a turning point: "You are so much more than a fighter."
At the time, she couldn't believe him. Now, nine years on, she reflects on the profound impact of those words.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport in New York, Rousey opened up about her journey from that dark place to finding fulfillment beyond fighting. To truly understand Rousey's story, one must trace it back to her lowest point.
Rousey vividly recalls her first day of fighting 26 years ago, when she didn't have a hair tie and her ponytail went wild as she tried judo for the first time.
Her initial love had been swimming, but she soon followed in the footsteps of her mother, AnnMaria De Mars.
De Mars, the first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championships, not only influenced Rousey's sporting career but also played a pivotal role in shaping her resilience.
Left to raise her three daughters after a family tragedy that saw Rousey's father take his own life when she was just eight years old, De Mars instilled in Rousey a sense of determination and strength.
Rousey's pursuit of Olympic gold in judo culminated in a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, it was her transition to mixed martial arts that propelled her to glory and fame.
Dominating the professional ranks with 12 consecutive victories, including 11 first-round wins, she captured the UFC bantamweight title and brought MMA into the public consciousness.
Her performances, characterized by her judo background and signature armbar submissions, captivated fans.
Yet it was not just her prowess in the octagon that drew attention; it was the showmanship she brought to women's combat sports.
"I felt like women's combat sports was missing showmanship," Rousey explains. "A lot of times when women are coming to a space where they're not entirely welcome, they try to make as few waves as possible.
I needed to make as many as possible in order to fight for our place there, instead of politely asking for permission for it."
But amidst the glitz and glamour of her success in MMA, Rousey faced setbacks and challenges. The devastating loss to Holly Holm marked a turning point in her life.
It was a moment of reckoning that led her to confront the question: Who is Ronda Rousey beyond the fighter?
The journey from that crushing defeat to where she stands today has been one of introspection, resilience, and evolution.
It's a path that has seen her embrace roles in entertainment, including acting and professional wrestling. Beyond the realm of sports, Rousey has found fulfillment in motherhood and advocacy.
As she reflects on her life's trajectory, Rousey acknowledges the impact of those eight words spoken by Browne: "You are so much more than a fighter." They served as a catalyst for her to explore and embrace the multifaceted dimensions of her identity.
Today, Ronda Rousey stands as a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own paths of triumph and tribulation. From the depths of defeat, she has emerged not only as a fighter but as a multifaceted individual who continues to redefine what it means to be a champion.
As she continues to carve out new chapters in her life's story, Rousey's legacy transcends the confines of any arena. She embodies the spirit of resilience and reinvention—a reminder that our worth extends far beyond any single role or title. In Ronda Rousey's journey, we find echoes of our own capacity for growth and transformation.
The Marvel Stadium medical room in Melbourne may have been the backdrop for one of Rousey's darkest moments, but it also became the crucible from which she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and identity.
It is a reminder that even in our moments of despair, there exists the potential for profound metamorphosis.
Ronda Rousey's journey is an invitation to embrace our complexities, confront our vulnerabilities, and chart our own paths toward fulfillment.
It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit—a reminder that our capacity for resilience knows no bounds.
In every arena of life, may we draw inspiration from Ronda Rousey's unwavering determination to transcend adversity and discover the boundless possibilities that await us beyond the confines of defeat.
