Ronda Rousey, once the face of women’s mixed martial arts, has revealed why she avoids attending UFC events. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, who dominated the sport with 12 consecutive wins before two devastating losses ended her MMA career, shared her thoughts on the matter in a candid podcast interview.
The Rise and Fall of a Champion
Ronda Rousey dominated the UFC with an impressive record of 12 consecutive wins, including six title match victories. In 2015, Holly Holm stopped her championship reign suddenly by beating her with a head kick and punches. In 2016, Rousey made a comeback but was once again defeated by Amanda Nunes, bringing her MMA career to a close. Ever since that time, she has avoided going to the Octagon, and she has recently explained her reasons for staying away from UFC events completely.
The Media and Fan Backlash
In an interview on the “High Performance” podcast with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes, Rousey discussed her tumultuous relationship with MMA media and fans. She feels vilified and unwelcome, citing the harsh criticism she faced after her losses. Rousey believes that attending a UFC event would only result in negative reactions from the crowd.
Ronda Rousey: I feel like I’m really vilified by MMA media at this point and I’m not really welcomed back. Which is why I haven’t gone to a UFC fight since because I’m pretty sure if I walked into the arena I’d be booed. pic.twitter.com/wOuSW6iD2L
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 26, 2024
“Everything that could be said that was negative was said,” Rousey explained. “I feel really vilified by MMA media at this point and not really welcome back, which is why I haven’t gone to a UFC fight since [losing to Nunes in 2016, and then retiring].”
Emotional Impact
Rousey spoke about the psychological strain of her MMA career and the backlash she received. She expressed disappointment that despite her full dedication to the sport, the fans and media were never satisfied.
“I experience it firsthand.” I wish I wasn’t [affected] by it. She stated that she had provided them with all that she had, but it wasn’t sufficient. Many people hold back from giving their all because they fear not being good enough to meet expectations. I acknowledge that it was sufficient for me, but insufficient for those looking in. But it truly wasn’t meant for them.
Controversy with Media
Rousey’s comments came shortly after former UFC commentator Jimmy Smith criticized her on his podcast, “Unlocking the Cage.” Smith recounted how some media members felt mistreated by Rousey during interviews. He described her as being unfriendly and difficult, which led to a lack of sympathy when she lost her fights.
“I said, ‘Why?’ They said, ‘She was a b**** to us from the moment she sat down to the moment she got up. Like it’s our fault she has to do this interview to hype something or her next fight and she’s just miserable and she’s mean to us and we can’t stand her… They were cheering when she got knocked out. This is what I was told,” Smith shared.
A Polarizing Figure
Rousey’s legacy in MMA is complicated. While she was a trailblazer and a dominant champion, her relationships with the media and fans were often strained. Her decision to avoid UFC events underscores the lasting impact of her negative experiences in the sport. Despite her achievements, Rousey feels that the lack of support and appreciation from the MMA community has left her disillusioned.
Moving Forward
After leaving MMA, Rousey has shifted her attention to different ventures like professional wrestling in WWE and pursuing acting opportunities. She remains a significant figure in the worlds of sports and entertainment, despite the ongoing struggles in her relationship with MMA.
Rousey’s narrative reminds us of the high stress athletes endure and the enduring impact of public criticism. Her past encounters underscore the difficulties of upholding a favorable public reputation amidst harsh criticism and personal challenges. As Rousey progresses in her career, her thoughts on her experience in MMA provide valuable understanding of the challenges of being a prominent athlete.
