Ronda Rousey’s ascent in MMA remains truly legendary. She quickly became a prominent figure, paving the way for women in the UFC. Alongside her, another long-standing figure in the world of MMA is Cris Cyborg. However, Rousey claims she was the one who saved women’s MMA from a downfall.
In early 2011, the UFC inevitably bought and absorbed Strikeforce. Interestingly, in a recent podcast episode with Chris Van Vliet, ‘Rowdy‘ mentioned the struggles of that time. She also revealed that Strikeforce was the only organization promoting women’s MMA. She also revealed that popular ex-MMA fighter Gina Carano played a major role in that.
People forget how fragile that situation was and how last-minute I was able to get us in, When she (Gina Carano) was gone, Cris Cyborg’s pumped to the f*cking gills with steroids. No one wants to watch that cheating a** bitch. Everything just tanked. The division was dying.
Ronda Rousey via Chris Van Vliet YT Channel
For several women fighters, Strikeforce was the launching pad and eye-catcher for the future. Before Rousey arrived in the promotion, Gina Carano was undoubtedly the biggest star in women’s MMA. However, she effectively left the sport in 2009 after she suffered a first-round TKO loss to Cris Cyborg. Although Cyborg was a great fighter, still the audience did not want to see her fight.
Rousey mentioned it was due to the Brazilian fighter’s failed drug test controversies. Even Dana White didn’t have a great relationship with Cyborg. Meanwhile, Rousey’s contribution to UFC has often been praised by Dana White and the others. It is not the first time Rousey made negative remarks about the featherweight legend. Nevertheless, Cyborg didn’t let the remarks go unnoticed.
Back in 2011, Rousey wasn’t the global superstar she is today. She was determined to make a name for herself in the sport. Ronda Rousey has significant victories over Miesha Tate and Sara McMann. She had an excellent unbeaten run, which was eventually stopped by Holly Holm in 2015. Following Rowdy’s exquisite performances in the UFC, she became the first woman to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Cris Cyborg responds to Ronda Rousey’s recent comments (Image via X)On the other hand, Cris Cyborg also had a magnificent UFC career. She only lost to Amanda Nunes in the UFC. Interestingly, after signing with UFC, Cyborg was keen on fighting Ronda Rousey. However, that fight didn’t happen. The feud between both of them has reignited again. This time, the Brazilian strikes back at Rowdy.
When she started fighting in 2011, I was already a Srtrikeforce champion and when she retired I was already UFC champion. What a world she lives in.
Cris Cyborg via Instagram
The Brazilian jokingly shrugged off Ronda Rousey’s claims that she has saved women’s MMA. As for Rousey’s fighting career, she has retired from the UFC and MMA. On the other hand, Cyborg is still at it and currently fights at the PFL. Moreover, the Brazilian has an upcoming fight against Larissa Pachecho on October 19.
