Ronda Rousey’s career can be described in a lot ways. And among the words you could call it is colorful. Rousey’s MMA career and her limelight in the mainstream is far from over but she’s had many moments in the past that can be deemed unforgettable. Here are 10 of them.
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With all that has transpired so far in Rousey’s career, it’s easy to forget that she was once an Olympian. In the 2008 Beijing edition of the games, Rousey represented the United State and judo, where she took home a bronze medal.
9. Rousey at the ESPYs
Who said all of Rousey’s best moments so far happened inside the octagon? In one such occasion, Rousey made an appearance in the 2015 ESPYs to accept two awards, including Fighter of the Year honors. But she probably is more remembered today for that day for having put renowned wife-beater Floyd Mayweather on blast, saying that she wonders “how Floyd feels being beat by a woman for once.” Probably the best jab Rousey has ever made in his career.
8. A UFC champion—without fighting
In a true testament to a woman’s ability to take anything she wants without even breaking a sweat, Rousey was given the UFC women’s bantamweight championship belt in 2012 despite having not fought in the organization prior. Rousey, of course, went on to become a superstar for the UFC, which surely didn’t regret making such a move.
7. First showdown with Tate
You could argue that Rousey wouldn’t be this big of a star without her intense rivalry with former Strikeforce champion, Meisha Tate. The lead up to t their first encounter back in 2012 was filled with animosity, fueled further by the volley of trash talks between the then upcoming Rousey and the established champion Tate. Rousey would go on to win the bout after she locked Tate in an armbar, prompting the referee to stop the fight right in the very first round.
6. WrestleMania
It’s no secret that Rousey is a wrestling fan. After all, her nickname “Rowdy” was lifted from the late Roddy Piper, whom Rousey idolized growing up. And with her innate appeal and proven popularity, he appeared at WrestleMania 31, where she and The Rock handed Stephanie McMahon and Triple H the business.
5. Beating Carmouche
Carmouche was Rousey’s first UFC opponent and it didn’t come easy for our girl. Carmouche was tough as nails and although Rousey beat him up via her classic armbar submission technique, it wasn’t before the former Marine Corps dislocated Rousey’s jaw and put her in danger by attempting a rear naked choke. Rousey somehow wiggled her way out of Carmouche’s hold then proceeded to execute her winning move.
4. Rousey on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
Rousey has graced the covers and pages of so many publications but one that continues to stand out was her appearance in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue in 2015. I don’t know about you guys, but I think I’d be fine with Rousey breaking my arm in half so long as she’s just covered by body paint only.
3. Second time around vs. Tate
After taking care of Carmouche, Rousey was slated to fight Cat Zingano next. But an injury coupled with the death of her husband forced Zingano to give her ticket to somebody else who was willing to risk their limbs to Rousey. And that somebody turned out to be Tate, who was salivating for a rematch with the then UFC champ. Tate was able to extend the fight to the third round unlike in the first meeting wherein it didn’t even go past the first. The match ended the same way it concluded in the first though—with Tate succumbing to Rousey’s armbar technique.
2. Rousey defeats Zingano
Rousey isn’t one to waste much time inside the Octagon. She gets in it and does her business the quickest way possible, which Cat Zingano learned the hard way in February of 2015. During their UFC 184 bout, Rousey and Zingano entertained the MMA masses for a mere 14 seconds, the amount of time Rousey needed to beat the pulp out of the challenger.
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1. Rousey annihilates Correia
For a long period of time, Rousey looked unbeatable by mortals. And in arguably the pinnacle of her invincibility was her terrifying beatdown of Bethe Correia during their UFC 190 match. The fight also became unforgettable because of Rousey chose to slug it out with her opponent instead of bringing the fight to the mat like she have always done. We can’t argue with the results though, as Rousey took Correia out in just 34 seconds.
