Ronda Rousey has made a name for herself in the world of combat sports with her entertaining presence in WWE and UFC. “Rowdy” was inducted into the Hall of Fame in both promotions and became the inspiration that drew many young girls into the world of martial arts. Her fighting skills made her the undisputed women’s bantamweight champion. Needless to say, she was one of the few fighters that Dana White could leave.
But do you know who motivated Rousey to look good in the UFC boss’s books? Yes! It is indeed her rival, Cris Cyborg.
Ronda Rousey reveals Cris Cyborg’s role in helping her stay reliable from Dana White’s perspective
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On August 21, 2024, Rousey made an appearance on “INSIGHT” with Chris Van Vliet. During the conversation, Van Vliet recalled the time when Strike Force was the only organization that allowed women to fight. At the time, the UFC CEO claimed that women would never fight in the UFC. It was actually a response that White’s words were directed at Gina Carano, who was allowed to compete due to her connection to the Nevada State Athletic Committee.
But for Rousey, it was an opportunity to shine in front of White. She said“When (Gina Carano) left, Cris Cyborg was pumped full of steroids. Nobody wants to watch that cheating bitch. Everything went to hell. The division was dying…”
‘Rowdy’ knew she had to do something to ensure she got a promotion she could compete for, and that included her decision to stay away from PEDs. She continued“It was only a matter of time before they shut the whole thing down and there would be no place to show women’s MMA. So that’s how much time I had to make sure Dana (White) couldn’t go a single day without seeing my name somewhere. The rest is history.”
When Rousey’s words went viral on the internet, Cyborg couldn’t keep her cool. In the comments to an Instagram post, the Brazilian mixed martial artist wrote:“After years of defaming me, she ended up so bitter and didn’t know how to deal with life’s difficulties and defeats. I feel sorry for her, but maybe she will find inner peace.” Cyborg criticized Rousey, pointing out that she was already a champion in Strikeforce when “Rowdy” started fighting in 2011. When Rousey finally decided to hang up her fighting gloves, Cyborg became a UFC featherweight champion.
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But did you know that Rousey once told White she would always fight for him? Read on to learn more about the story!
“Rowdy’s promise to the UFC boss
In April 2024, Rousey appeared on The Chris Cuomo Project, where she reflected on the time when she was struggling due to concussions. The former UFC Bantamweight Champion revealed how she was feeling just weeks before her scheduled rematch against Holly Holm. But then she revealed the promise she made to the UFC boss. It was back when she fought Holm for the first time at UFC 293.
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The event was originally scheduled Robbie Lawler And Carlos ConditHowever, the fight was cancelled as Lawler pulled out of the fight due to an injury to his thumb. Soon after, Rousey came in to save the event and fight against Holm. And that’s when she promised White“I’ll always be your girl, I’ll always fight. You know if those boys don’t do it, I will.”
Rousey captured the hearts of combat sports fans with her skills despite losing the fight to Holm. She made sure to keep her promise to White with her infamous armbar before retiring in 2018. What do you think about Rousey doing her best to remain a good fighter in Dana White’s eyes? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
