In 2011, UFC CEO Dana White made a bold statement that women would never fight in the UFC. However, a little over a year later, the promotion announced that Strikeforce female bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey had signed with them. White praised Rousey for being a talented and real fighter with the potential to be a big superstar. Rousey, who had a judo background and won a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics, quickly rose to prominence in the UFC women’s bantamweight division. She defended her title six times between 2013 and 2015, winning each fight by stoppage.
Despite her early success, Rousey suffered a setback in November 2015 when Holly Holm defeated her to claim the 135-pound title. Rousey attempted a comeback over a year later but was knocked out in just 48 seconds by then-champion Amanda Nunes. This loss marked the end of Rousey’s UFC career, as she never fought in the promotion again. White reflected on what went wrong for Rousey, suggesting that the immense pressure and expectations placed on her made it impossible for her to continue growing as a fighter during that time.
While some may argue that Rousey’s downfall was due to the division catching up with her, it is undeniable that she played a crucial role in putting women’s MMA on the map under the UFC banner. White acknowledged Rousey’s significance in the growth of women’s fighting and credited her as being one of the greatest athletes he has ever worked with. Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing her legacy as a pioneer in women’s MMA. Despite her career ending on a sour note, Rousey’s impact on the sport will not be forgotten.
White’s comments shed light on the pressures and challenges Rousey faced as a trailblazer in women’s MMA. He highlighted the unique position Rousey occupied in elevating the sport to new heights and how her presence paved the way for other female fighters to follow. While Rousey’s career ended with back-to-back losses, her contribution to the sport cannot be understated. As one of the most influential figures in UFC history, Rousey’s legacy will endure for years to come, inspiring a new generation of fighters to take up the mantle and continue pushing the boundaries of women’s MMA.
The impact of Rousey’s tenure in the UFC resonated beyond the octagon, as she became a cultural icon and role model for young women aspiring to compete in combat sports. Despite facing setbacks and criticism, Rousey remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport and blazed a trail for future generations of female fighters to follow. While her time in the UFC may have come to an end, Rousey’s influence on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come. As the first UFC women’s bantamweight champion and a UFC Hall of Famer, Rousey’s legacy is secure, making her mark as a pioneer in women’s MMA.
