On this day in 2013, Ronda Rousey’s popularity reached monumental heights, firmly establishing her as a historic figure in the world of mixed martial arts. Despite Dana White’s skepticism about her return to competition, Rousey insists the UFC will always be her true home. As a former bantamweight champion, she remains one of the most significant and influential stars in both the promotion and the sport overall. While White may not have anticipated her record-breaking return in 2016, there’s no question that Rousey played a crucial role in the UFC’s rapid expansion.
During her second fight in the Octagon, Rousey continued her dominant streak on a card that Dana White believed would raise the bar for future events.
In related news, Dana White revealed that the list of contracts with Zuffa Boxing now includes former world champions and fighters like Inoue vs. Picasso.
Dana White admitted after UFC 168 that he couldn’t stop Rousey from leaving MMA for Hollywood, reflecting on the event held on December 28, 2013. Although not the UFC’s biggest event, UFC 168 was still highly successful despite Anderson Silva suffering a severe injury in his main event rematch against Chris Weidman. The co-main event, featuring Rousey and Miesha Tate’s first Strikeforce encounter, was pivotal, as their rivalry initially convinced White to create a women’s division in the UFC.
In the 2013 rematch, Rousey defeated Tate in the third round, with Tate becoming the first woman to advance past the first round against the reigning bantamweight champion. Originally set to face Cat Zingano, Rousey’s bout was postponed due to Zingano’s injury, resulting in a lengthy break between her February and December fights.
After UFC 168, during an interview with Ariel Helwani for FOX Sports, White was asked if he worried about Rousey’s growing fame outside the UFC and how it might affect her dedication to the sport. Referencing Gina Carano, who left MMA for Hollywood, White acknowledged that if a fighter isn’t fully committed, they can’t succeed in the sport. “If she wants to pursue a movie career, that’s her choice,” White said.
At UFC 168, Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, who she would marry four years later, scored a victory over Josh Barnett. Both Rousey and Browne earned knockout and submission of the night bonuses, totaling $75,000 each. Additionally, Rousey won Fight of the Night, earning her an extra $75,000 — meaning her bonus earnings surpassed her reported fight purse of $100,000 (excluding sponsorship income).
Fan Take: Ronda Rousey’s meteoric rise and crossover appeal have been game-changing for MMA, helping elevate women’s fighting to new heights. Her influence not only boosted UFC’s global profile but also opened doors for female athletes in combat sports, signaling a significant shift in the sport’s cultural landscape.
