Ronda Rousey, a name synonymous with breaking barriers in women`s mixed martial arts, is once again making headlines. Not for a definitive comeback fight, but for a profound personal journey of physical and spiritual rediscovery, openly embracing her return to MMA training. And in true “Rowdy” fashion, she hasn`t shied away from proclaiming her prowess: she believes she`s “the greatest ever,” especially when she`s in peak form.
The Trailblazer`s Enduring Legacy
Before Ronda Rousey, women`s MMA was largely a niche curiosity. Her arrival in Strikeforce and later the UFC transformed the landscape, turning an overlooked division into a mainstream spectacle. She wasn`t just a fighter; she was a phenomenon. Her signature armbar, coupled with an undefeated streak of 11 first-round finishes, captivated audiences and shattered expectations. She headlined UFC 157 in 2013, a historic moment that cemented women’s place in the Octagon. Her dominance, however, was ultimately punctuated by back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, alongside concerns over concussions, leading to her retirement in 2016.
A New Body, A Renewed Spirit: Post-Pregnancy Transformation
Years removed from the bright lights of the UFC, Rousey has navigated new chapters, including motherhood. Her latest pregnancy brought about a physical shift, which, as she describes it, meant temporarily losing her identity as a “finely tuned athletic machine.” The postpartum period became a catalyst for change. Rousey openly shared her motivation for returning to the mats: it was less about competition and more about reclaiming her physical self and finding genuine enjoyment in the sport she once dominated.
“I just wanted to get that my bodily identity back from just being a vessel for creating another person,” Rousey explained, highlighting the deeply personal nature of her return to training. “I`m just having fun with it again.”
This candid revelation sheds light on the often-unspoken challenges athletes face in their post-career or post-maternity lives. For Rousey, the “incredible transformation” isn`t merely aesthetic; it`s a testament to her dedication to well-being and a joyful reconnection with her fighting roots.
“The Greatest Ever”: A Claim Rooted in Joy, Not Just Records
When asked about her current impressive physique and training intensity, Rousey`s response was unmistakably “Rowdy”: “I’m like, well, because I’m the greatest ever.” This statement, delivered with characteristic confidence, comes with an interesting caveat. It`s a proclamation seemingly tied to her current state of physical and mental engagement, rather than a direct challenge to the historical record. For many years, Rousey was indeed the undisputed “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) in women`s MMA. Her eight title defenses across UFC and Strikeforce were unparalleled at the time.
However, the landscape has shifted. The torch has been passed, most notably to Amanda Nunes, often hailed as the undisputed greatest female fighter of all time. Nunes`s resume speaks for itself, including a brutal TKO victory over Rousey herself in a mere 48 seconds at UFC 207, and an astounding 11 title fight wins in the UFC, defeating virtually every prominent champion in her weight classes. Rousey`s current claim, therefore, can be viewed as an internal affirmation, a spirited declaration of self-belief as she re-engages with the discipline she loves, perhaps a playful nod to her legendary status rather than a literal dismissal of Nunes`s achievements.
The Echo of a Comeback: Tyson`s Influence and Speculation
While Rousey emphasizes training for personal joy, she hasn`t entirely closed the door to the notion of a return. She cites Mike Tyson`s recent high-profile exhibition comeback as evidence that “no one`s ever really done.” This observation fuels speculation, as it offers a blueprint for legendary fighters to step back into the spotlight on their own terms, without necessarily pursuing another world title. Whether this hints at an exhibition, a coaching role, or simply a philosophical acceptance of an athlete`s potential longevity remains to be seen. What is clear is that Rousey is rediscovering the thrill of the martial arts, and that alone is enough to pique the interest of the MMA world.
Beyond the Octagon: What`s Next for “Rowdy”?
Ronda Rousey`s journey continues to evolve. From Olympic medalist to UFC trailblazer, from WWE superstar to devoted mother, her path has always been one of breaking molds. Her return to MMA training, driven by self-love and a desire to reclaim her identity, offers a compelling narrative. It`s a story of an athlete finding peace and power in the process itself, rather than solely in the pursuit of championship gold. Whatever her future endeavors may be, “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey`s impact on women`s sports is indelible, and her current chapter of self-discovery is as engaging as any of her past battles in the cage.