Ronda Rousey began competing in MMA in 2010, just two years after leaving Judo, where she won a medal at the 2008 Olympics. Rousey quickly established herself as a talent, winning her first fights in just minutes, largely thanks to the armbar she learned from Judo. The skill has not only been a signature of her career, but has also become a symbol of destruction in fights.
In November 2012, Ronda Rousey became the first UFC women’s bantamweight champion after defeating Miesha Tate in a dramatic match. This was a significant step not only in Rousey’s career but also in UFC history, as it paved the way for women’s MMA to grow.
Rousey continued to maintain her dominance in the UFC throughout the following years. She successfully defended her title against notable opponents such as Liz Carmouche, Sara McMann, and Cat Zingano, most of them by armbar. Rousey’s undefeated record (12-0) in the UFC lasted until 2015, when she suffered her first loss to Holly Holm in a match where she was knocked out by a powerful roundhouse kick.
While the loss to Holly Holm was a devastating blow, Ronda Rousey rebounded and continued her career. However, after a second loss to Amanda Nunes in late 2016, she decided to leave MMA to pursue other career opportunities, including joining W.
Ronda Rousey is not only a UFC champion, but also a pioneer, paving the way for women in MMA, proving that women can dominate in a grueling sport. She helped elevate the sport and change the way women in sports were perceived.
