Ronda Rousey, the former UFC superstar, recently revealed the original game plan she had in mind for her fight against Holly Holm, which ended in a brutal knockout loss.
Rousey, who was at the peak of her career in 2015, had already made a name for herself in the UFC and was crossing over into films and television.
Her dominant performances in the octagon had led to comparisons with the likes of Conor McGregor, and there was even talk of her being able to take on undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather in MMA.
However, all of that came crashing down when she faced Holly Holm and suffered a devastating loss. Rousey's unbeatable aura was shattered, and she went from being UFC's darling to being labeled as an overrated charlatan.
In a recent Q&A promoting her autobiography, Rousey opened up about the fight and what went wrong.
She explained that her game plan for the fight was to keep Holm off the center line and then bully her up against the cage, where Rousey's background in judo would give her an advantage, especially with the potential for takedowns.
However, Rousey's plan never got off the ground as she was hit right away by Holm, which knocked loose her bottom teeth and left her "out on [her] feet from the very beginning."
Rousey revealed that the punch affected her so much that she lost her depth perception and was unable to carry out her usual strategy.
She usually planned out the first exchange and then improvised based on her opponent's reactions, but in this fight, she was unable to think coherently and was operating on autopilot.
She also mentioned that her coaches didn't play a huge part in how she executed her strategy once the fight started. She admitted that she didn't hear anything her corner was saying and that her coaches didn't always provide accurate information during fights.
Despite the criticism she faced for her performance against Holm, Rousey emphasized that she was unable to carry out her game plan due to the impact of the first punch.
She compared it to a past fight against Miesha Tate, where she was able to execute her strategy and secure a victory with one of her signature armbars.
Rousey's revelation sheds light on the challenges and unpredictability of combat sports. It serves as a reminder that even the most well-prepared athletes can be thrown off course by unforeseen circumstances.
Rousey's honesty about her experience provides valuable insight into the mental and physical demands of high-stakes competition.
As Rousey continues to navigate life beyond the octagon, her willingness to share her vulnerabilities and setbacks serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. It is a testament to her resilience and determination to overcome adversity, both inside and outside the cage.
While her loss to Holm may have been a pivotal moment in her career, it is clear that Rousey's impact on the world of combat sports extends far beyond her record in the octagon.
Her legacy as a trailblazer for women in MMA and her ability to transcend the sport into mainstream entertainment have left an indelible mark on the industry.
As she reflects on her journey, Ronda Rousey's openness about her experiences serves as a powerful reminder of the human side of athletic achievement. Her willingness to confront challenges head-on and share her story with candor continues to inspire countless individuals around the world.
In conclusion, Ronda Rousey's revelation about her original game plan for the fight against Holly Holm offers a compelling insight into the complexities of elite-level competition.
It underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, and serves as a testament to Rousey's enduring impact on combat sports.
Her willingness to share her experiences with honesty and vulnerability is a powerful reminder of the human element inherent in athletic pursuit.
