Ronda Rousey is confident that her seventh defense of the UFC bantamweight title will not unfold as her opponent expects. Despite being advised to steer clear of the Octagon due to how much MMA has evolved since her absence, Rousey remains determined. She wasn’t just the UFC’s first female champion but also dominated her competition for years during her remarkable reign. Her knockout defeat by Holly Holm at UFC 193 marked the end of one of the most legendary streaks in MMA history and signaled a shift in dominance after Rousey anticipated Holm’s strategy but couldn’t prevent it.
Kayla Harrison, the current UFC bantamweight champ, aims to leverage her judo skills to become the greatest female MMA fighter ever. Before Harrison’s rise, Rousey held a similar claim, excelling with her exceptional grappling skills. Her first loss revealed a critical weakness in her game, which Holm exploited. UFC president Dana White supported Rousey’s fight tactics at UFC 193, despite criticism that Holm easily maintained distance and landed strikes. Rousey herself admitted her early strategy faltered but was fully aware of Holm’s game plan long before the fight.
In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, just over a month before UFC 193, Rousey predicted a longer, more strategic match. She said Holm would likely try to keep her at bay, frustrate her, and attempt head kicks—but that it wouldn’t play out as Holm wanted. Prior to the fight, Rousey praised Holm’s skills and recognized the challenge she posed, though Rousey was used to ending fights quickly, with four of her past five title defenses finished in the first round.
During a 2015 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Rousey explained that quick victories were a sign of respect for her opponents, sparing them prolonged punishment. She noted that while Holm had a great night financially and professionally, future challengers wouldn’t be as forgiving or favorably disposed toward her.
Fan Take: This news matters because it highlights the evolving landscape of women’s MMA and the legacy left by pioneers like Rousey, who changed the sport forever. Her willingness to face new challenges despite changes in the game inspires both fans and fighters, signaling that the sport’s future will continue to be shaped by fierce competition and evolving skill sets.
