Ronda Rousey is undoubtedly one of the biggest reasons for the success of UFC in the 2010s. Her collaboration with Dana White brought in millions of revenue during her prime years. Over the years, both White and Rousey have maintained a wonderful relationship. As it turns out, the first-ever UFC female champ remembers every detail about her meeting with the UFC boss.
Rousey and White first met in 2012 during her fight with Sarah Kaufman, which she won via her signature armbar. By that time, she was a well-known face in the MMA community due to her performances in StrikeForce. In a recent interview, Rousey mentioned her first meeting with Dana White. Rousey admitted she tried her best to impress the UFC boss.
I didn’t tell him that you need to put women in the UFC. I knew at that moment it wasn’t my job to tell him how to run his business. It was my job to make him like me and make him invested in my success.
Ronda Rousey via Chris Van Vilet’s YouTube channel
Rousey then mentioned that during the whole meeting, she was able to make a good impression. Before that, Dana White had publicly announced that no women would ever fight in the UFC. However, after the meeting, Rousey said White immediately called Lorenzo Fertitta to sign the female superstar.
After that, Rousey made her UFC debut against Liz Carmouche in 2013 and became the first-ever UFC female champion. She later defended the title six times before ultimately losing to Holly Holm in 2015. After two consecutive losses, she retired from UFC and never came back.
Dana White responds to Ronda Rousey’s return rumors
Ronda Rousey’s success cleared the path for future female fighters and increased the sport’s popularity. She also rose to fame in Hollywood, raising the profile of mixed martial arts and inspiring a generation of women to follow careers in combat sports.
Dana White on Ronda Rousey’s potential return (via Imago)Throughout the process, she made millions and performed in the WWE, where she became a superstar. Due to her success in UFC, she immediately became a household name in the WWE. When asked about her potential return to MMA, Dana White gave a reality check.
Would I welcome it? Well, Ronda’s having kids. Ronda built this whole thing that’s going on with women here. Then her dream was to go to the WWE. She went there and everything she did there. She’s made shit loads of money, she’s moved on with her life.
Dana White via Contender Series presser
While discussing her downfall in MMA, White mentioned how everybody targeted her in her prime. According to the CEO, Rousey’s downfall was inevitable, but that doesn’t take anything from what she did for the sport. Per Ronda, she doesn’t like to participate in any UFC events due to the potential criticism from the media.
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