Ronda Rousey spearheaded UFC events when women fighting was a small niche in the MMA community. The former UFC bantamweight queen recently made a stunning admission. Despite being one of the biggest stars the promotion has ever had, Rousey says she avoids UFC events nowadays. As such, she blames it on one particular polarizing aspect of the sport of MMA.
Ronda Rousey recently revealed her relationship with MMA media. She got candid about her frosty relationship with MMA media and fans following her dramatic fall from the top. Rousey revealed that she doesnโt attend UFC events because she is vilified.
Everything that could be said that was negative was said, and I feel really vilified by MMA media at this point and Iโm not really welcome back, which is why I havenโt gone to a UFC fight since because Iโm pretty sure if I walked into the arena, Iโd be booed. Yeah, thatโs how it feels.
Ronda Rousey via High Performance YouTube Channel
Many fight fans and UFC staff have come forward to address their interactions with Rousey in the UFC. Many of these experiences were not on the good side. Her reluctance to give opponents credit and declaring herself the โgreatest of all timeโ rubbed many the wrong way.
Love her or hate her, Rouseyโs impact on MMA is undeniable. Her bizarre behavior after her knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, including going into hiding and making questionable excuses, further alienated supporters. As such, the former champion will likely not attend any UFC events for the foreseeable future.
Ronda Rousey explains why she was so crushed following loss to Holly Holm
Being the UFC womenโs bantamweight champion meant everything for Ronda Rousey. It was more than just a title for her. It represented years of sacrifice and an unwavering pursuit of greatness. So, it was devastating for her when she lost the title at UFC 193.
Rousey opened up about why that loss affected her so profoundly in a recent Q&A during her book tour. โRowdyโ revealed that her intense passion for the sport drove her to be the best. However, it also amplified the devastation when she finally tasted defeat.
I cared about that title more than anybody ever has. It hurt me more than anybody thatโs ever been hurt by losing it. Thatโs why I was able to defend so much for so long.
Ronda Rousey via Q&A of her recent book tour
While outsiders struggled to comprehend her anguish, Rousey made it clear that this wasnโt just a fight; it was her lifeโs work. Rouseyโs mentality was set on an all-or-nothing mentality. This outlook served her well until that fateful night against โThe Preacherโs Daughter.โ