Before the UFC became known for its top female fighters, it was predominantly a men’s sport. Ronda Rousey broke new ground as the first woman signed by the UFC and competed alongside Liz Carmouche in the organization’s inaugural women’s bout at UFC 157 on February 23, 2013.
In a recent episode of The Diary Of A CEO, Dana White shared how Rousey changed his perspective on having women in the UFC. White recalled that initially, he was hesitant to include female fighters because networks and sponsors were skeptical, fearing it wouldn’t sell well. However, Rousey approached him at an event and requested just 15 minutes to talk. During their brief conversation, White was quickly persuaded by her confidence and determination, which ultimately led to the creation of the UFC women’s division. White described Rousey as a “unicorn” with unmatched bravado and a chip on her shoulder, despite the criticism she has faced over the years.
From her historic debut in 2013 to becoming the UFC’s first Women’s Bantamweight Champion and a Hall of Famer, Rousey’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Beyond MMA, she is also a former Olympian and WWE wrestler. Earlier this year, she made her MMA comeback against Gina Carano before retiring once again.
Fan Take: Dana White’s account highlights just how pivotal Rousey was to the evolution of women’s MMA, proving that vision and courage can redefine an entire sport. For fight fans, this story reminds us that trailblazers like Rousey not only change perceptions but also open doors for future generations of fighters, making the sport richer and more inclusive.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
