MMA News

Tag: Ronda Rousey

  • Ronda Rousey Confirms UFC Passed on Gina Carano Fight

    Ronda Rousey Confirms UFC Passed on Gina Carano Fight

    Ronda Rousey has confirmed that her upcoming fight with Gina Carano was initially pitched to the UFC before ultimately landing outside the promotion for a May 16 event at the Intuit Dome.

    Speaking on ESPN’s SportsCenter this afternoon, the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion revealed that UFC President Dana White was her first call when she decided to return to competition.

    “I reached out to Dana and asked him if he would be interested in it, and it didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us to here today,” Rousey said.

    The comment suggests either the UFC passed on the fight or negotiations failed to produce terms acceptable to both sides. Rousey did not elaborate on why the UFC deal fell through.

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Years in the Making

    The fight has been over a year in the making, with Rousey beginning the process while still pregnant.

    “This has been in the making since I was pregnant, which is over a year ago. It took a long time to get us here. We fought for this. We fought to fight each other, and there were a lot of obstacles along the way,” she explained.

    Rousey’s determination to make the fight happen went beyond typical promotional efforts. She told Carano she would personally train her opponent if necessary to overcome the challenges standing in their way.

    “I told her, ‘If I have to go out there and train you myself to fight me, I will.’ We had to work together to overcome every obstacle to get here,” Rousey said.

    The matchup represents a collision between two pioneers of women’s MMA from different eras. Carano was instrumental in bringing mainstream attention to women’s MMA before the UFC opened its women’s divisions, while Rousey became the promotion’s first women’s champion and biggest star.

    “She Needs This. I Need This”

    Rousey explained her motivation for returning centers on helping Carano find purpose again through competition.

    “She needs this. She needs this fight. And the more I thought about it, I was like, you know what? I need this. I really need this fight,” Rousey said.

    The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on May 16, presented by Most Valuable Promotions.

    Rousey has not competed in MMA since her knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. The fight with Carano marks her return to the sport after nearly a decade away from competition.

  • Ronda Rousey Heavily Favored to Beat Gina Carano on May 16

    Ronda Rousey Heavily Favored to Beat Gina Carano on May 16

    Ronda Rousey is a heavy favorite to defeat Gina Carano when the two pioneers return to MMA on May 16 for their Netflix-streamed bout.

    BetOnline released opening odds for the highly anticipated matchup, listing Rousey at -450 while Carano enters as a significant underdog at +350. The line indicates bettors would need to wager $450 on Rousey to win $100, while a $100 bet on Carano would return $350 in profit.

    The odds reflect the dramatic difference in competitive experience between the two fighters. Rousey last competed in MMA at UFC 207 in December 30, 2016, while Carano’s last fight came against Cris Cyborg in August 15, 2009—nearly 16 years ago.

    Tale of Two Careers

    Rousey retired from MMA with a 12-2 record after consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Despite those setbacks, she remains one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors, having defended the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship six times.

    Carano walked away from MMA with a 7-1 record, with her only loss coming via first-round TKO against Cyborg in the final Strikeforce women’s bout. She transitioned to acting and has remained largely inactive in combat sports since.

    The 16-year layoff for Carano versus Rousey’s eight-year absence creates a significant gap in recent competition. Rousey also has the advantage of high-level training during her WWE tenure, while Carano’s athletic focus shifted entirely to Hollywood.

    What’s Next for Rousey

    Following the fight announcement, Rousey teased “much more to come” on social media, suggesting the Carano bout may be the first of multiple MMA appearances rather than a one-off return.

    The Netflix platform provides a massive audience for both fighters, potentially setting up additional legacy fights if Rousey emerges victorious. The streaming giant has made aggressive moves into combat sports, making this a potential launching pad for future content.

    The May 16 fight date gives both competitors roughly three months to prepare for their comebacks. Rousey’s status as a prohibitive favorite reflects the betting market’s skepticism that Carano can overcome such an extended absence against elite-level competition.

  • Ronda Rousey Zings UFC, Teases “Much More to Come”

    Ronda Rousey Zings UFC, Teases “Much More to Come”

    Ronda Rousey took to social media this morning to share her excitement about the bombshell announcement that she and Gina Carano will be coming out of retirement for a highly anticipated MMA showdown.

    The former UFC bantamweight champion, who last competed in mixed martial arts in 2016, expressed her enthusiasm for what she’s calling “the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history.”

    “Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and @ginacarano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” Rousey wrote. “And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion @MostVpromotions as well as the baddest streamer on the planet @netflix! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more ;)”

    The May 2026 bout marks a historic moment for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which is making its first foray into mixed martial arts after establishing itself in the boxing world.

    The promotion has built a reputation around fighter compensation and athlete advocacy, something Rousey appeared to reference with her “fighter-first promotion” comment (a clear reference to UFC’s often-criticized fighter pay structure.)

    Rousey’s cryptic closing line, “More to come… much more,” has already sparked speculation among fans about what else MVP might have planned for its push into mixed martial arts.

    The Rousey vs. Carano matchup brings together two of the most influential figures in women’s MMA history.

  • Ronda Rousey MMA Return Against Gina Carano: May 16 on Netflix

    Ronda Rousey MMA Return Against Gina Carano: May 16 on Netflix

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is coming back to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly a decade, and she’s doing it against fellow women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano.

    The blockbuster matchup was confirmed Tuesday by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, with the fight set for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event will stream live on Netflix and marks MVP’s first professional MMA event.

    Rousey (12-2) and Carano (7-1) will compete at 145 pounds under the Unified Rules of MMA, with the bout sanctioned for five, five-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon cage.

    “Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” Rousey said in a statement to ESPN.

    Rousey, 39, last competed in MMA in December 2016, when she lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. Before that devastating knockout loss, Rousey had been the sport’s biggest star, winning her first 12 professional fights — 11 of them in the first round — and successfully defending the UFC women’s bantamweight title a record six consecutive times. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 and spent four years as a WWE performer, winning three world championships.

    Carano, 43, hasn’t fought since her lone career defeat against Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s 145-pound title in August 2009 — making this a return from a 17-year layoff. Carano was instrumental in bringing mainstream attention to women’s MMA during her career from 2006 to 2009 and went on to appear in films including Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian.

    “Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano said. “This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win, and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome.”

    A kickoff press conference is scheduled for March 5 at Intuit Dome, with additional fights for the card to be announced at a later date.

  • Ronda Rousey Sparks Comeback Rumors With New Training Clips

    Ronda Rousey Sparks Comeback Rumors With New Training Clips

    The Ronda Rousey rumor mill is up and running again.

    Ever since she last stepped inside the Octagon nearly a decade ago, rumors have continued to run rampant that the former UFC bantamweight champion was gearing up for an MMA comeback. Often times, the speculation is quickly shot down by either Dana White or Rousey herself. But this time, it feels a little different.

    That’s because Rousey herself is pouring a little bit of fuel on the fire via a recent clip on Instagram.

    “The first clip is my first session working with [@aj_mma] I was super self conscious, embarrassed of how much I regressed, and honestly trying my very best not to pee my pants throwing punches so soon after having baby Pā’ū,” Rousey wrote.

    “Second clip was yesterday, I’ve never laughed or smiled so much on the mat as I do these days. The last 6 months have been an absolute blast, feels like I have so much left to grow, and without the weight of the world on my shoulders nothing is holding me back. ‘What we learn with pleasure we never forget’ Alfred Mercier.”

    After going 12-0 in her mixed martial arts career with 12-straight finishes, Rousey hit a brick wall in November 2015 named Holly Holm. ‘Rowdy’ went into the fight as one of the biggest favorites in UFC history, but was promptly beaten 59-seconds into the second round, ending her run as the most dominant force in MMA.

    A year later, Rousey’s comeback bid was halted less than a minute into her clash with Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. ‘The Lioness’ properly pummeled the Olympic bronze medalist, bringing a bitter end to Rousey’s illustrious career inside the Octagon.

    Ronda Rousey Finds Second Life as a WWE Superstar

    Since then, Rousey has found success in the world of sports entertainment, signing with WWE and making history as one of the first women to ever headline the promotion’s annual showcase of the immortals, Wrestlemania. During her run, Rousey held four championships in WWE: the Raw Women’s Championship, the SmackDown Women’s Championship on two separate occasions, and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with her partner Shayna Baszler.

    Today, Rousey is happy to live a quiet life away from the spotlight with her husband, former UFC heavyweight Travis Browne, and their two children.

    With the weight of the world seemingly off her shoulders, is ‘Rowdy’ gearing up for a potential return to the Octagon? Only time will tell.

  • Ronda Rousey Accused of Being Rude to Production Workers Behind the Scenes

    Ronda Rousey Accused of Being Rude to Production Workers Behind the Scenes

    UFC fighter Miesha Tate has accused Ronda Rousey of being difficult behind the scenes during their season of The Ultimate Fighter.

    As we know, Ronda Rousey is one of the biggest stars in the history of mixed martial arts. She achieved some great things throughout the course of her time in the sport, but we also know that she’s been faced with a lot of criticism – with most of it coming down to her perceived bad attitude.

    For the longest time, Ronda Rousey was seen as untouchable in the cage. For part of that run, arguably her biggest rival was Miesha Tate, who she faced off against during a season of The Ultimate Fighter as coaches.

    In a recent interview, though, Tate revealed that there was more to the story when it came to Ronda.

    Miesha Tate questions Ronda Rousey’s attitude

    “I think the things that people didn’t see though is like, on the Ultimate Fighter there was definitely—because there’s, you know, they clipped that up so much and there’s only…such a small bit of what you would actually see—but you know I expected her to be all pissy towards me and everything and I was like, I’m fine with that because we’re going to punch each other in the face at the end of the day.

    “You know I get mine but what people didn’t get to see is like how rude she was to the people behind, you know, like the camera people, the producers, like those kinds of people who she knew that she could be a [bleep] to and she wasn’t, you know, it’s like the spoiled little girl in the family, you know, the youngest and she’s a girl and the older brother just has to deal with all, you know, all her [bleep]. It was kind of like that kind of attitude except she was a bully, too.”

  • Ronda Rousey Declines UFC White House Fight Offer: “I got better sh*t to do”

    Ronda Rousey Declines UFC White House Fight Offer: “I got better sh*t to do”

    UFC legend Ronda Rousey has made it clear that she isn’t interested in fighting at the UFC White House event next year.

    As we know, Ronda Rousey is one of the biggest stars in the history of mixed martial arts. She made an incredible impact when she first made her way into the UFC, and while she’s been on a bit of a rollercoaster journey with both the fans and the promotion, her legacy in the sport speaks for itself.

    For many years, Ronda Rousey has been tipped to make a return to MMA in some form. Given that her last two fights ended in devastating losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, you’d think that she may want the chance to come back and compete at least one more time.

    In a recent interview, however, Ronda Rousey made it known that if she does come back, it won’t be at the White House.

    Ronda Rousey turns down possible UFC White House fight

    “I’m not fighting at the White House. I mean, you know, after Mike Tyson being in the biggest fight of the year, you never say never. But I ain’t fighting at the f***ing White House.”

    “Even if offered? I got better s*** to do. My kid needs pasta.”

    There would be a great deal of interest in Rousey making her return, if only because nobody really knows what she’d look like given the amount of time she’s had off. Alas, the White House isn’t where isn’t going to happen.

  • Mackenzie Dern Explains How Ronda Rousey Somewhat Inspired Her to Get into MMA

    Mackenzie Dern Explains How Ronda Rousey Somewhat Inspired Her to Get into MMA

    UFC star Mackenzie Dern has revealed how Ronda Rousey was one of her influences when it comes to breaking into mixed martial arts.

    As we know, Mackenzie Dern has been one of the most notable names in women’s MMA for many years now. At UFC 321, she’ll get the opportunity to finally claim UFC gold when she goes head to head with Virna Jandiroba for the vacant UFC strawweight championship.

    While some believe she doesn’t deserve such an opportunity, others have noted how much Mackenzie Dern has been through in order to get to this point. If she can claim the gold, it’ll serve as quite the rise to prominence that started many years ago when she was first signed to the promotion.

    In a recent interview, Mackenzie Dern opened up on the process of getting started in the sport.

    Mackenzie Dern notes Ronda Rousey’s influence

    “No, I wasn’t even thinking about the title when I went into MMA. I just went like—like I said, the UFC, they signed me before I had even done any fight in MMA at all, you know, before LFA, before Legacy. So they signed me like with the developmental plan and they said try it out, see if you like it, if you do want to stay in it, you know, I’m signed already with them. If not, no problem. 

    “Well, you can stop and then go back to jiu-jitsu, whatever you want to do. So I went into it like, ‘Oh, Ronda Rousey, everyone’s just like, yeah, you should do it. You’re really good at jiu-jitsu and you can go into like movies and this and that.’… I started growing. 

    “I think actually my fight with Bina was one of the first fights when I like kind of realized and I thought like, ‘Okay, I think I have it in me,’ you know, ’cause I broke my nose and it was kind of just like we stayed all three rounds striking, and, you know, she was way more experienced than me… That’s kind of when I was like, ‘Okay, I think I really want to get better at striking and I want to like take this serious.’… That mindset of a champion started growing in me.”

  • Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    One of the most prominent figures in MMA history Ronda Rousey may be preparing for a return to the UFC. Rumors have surfaced suggesting she is considering a comeback, potentially to face a specific opponent in a high-profile fight; Kayla Harrison. This possibility has attracted significant attention within the MMA community and among fight fans worldwide.

    Ronda Rousey’s Origin

    Rousey’s career began in judo, where she made a name for herself by winning an Olympic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. Her achievements in judo laid the foundation for her transition into MMA, a sport where she would reach global stardom. She first gained prominence fighting in Strikeforce, where her dominant performances caught the attention of the UFC.

    When Rousey joined the UFC in 2013, she quickly became a central figure in the promotion’s growth, particularly for women’s divisions. Rousey was the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion and defended the title multiple times, often winning her bouts in the first round. Her success was pivotal in cementing women’s MMA as a viable category in the UFC, inspiring countless female fighters and elevating the sport’s visibility.

    Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Rousey’s impact on women’s sports holds social importance. She became a role model for female athletes and challenged traditional gender norms within combat sports. Rousey’s career coincided with a broader movement, helping to normalize women competing at the highest levels in MMA.

    Rousey’s departure from the UFC came after consecutive losses in 2015 and 2016. These defeats, notably her knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, raised questions about her future competitiveness in the sport. Following these setbacks, she shifted her focus to appearances in entertainment and other ventures outside fighting. Her departure was seen as a result of the physical toll of competition, coupled with evolving interests beyond MMA. She then switched to WWE.

    Ronda Rousey Making a Comeback

    The recent rumors about Rousey’s return to the UFC focus on an apparent interest in a comeback fight against Kayla Harrison, the undefeated two-division PFL champion and Olympic judo gold medalist, plus current UFC champ. Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter and commentator, shared that Rousey expressed a willingness to return only if the potential opponent is Harrison. Sonnen stated, “Ronda Rousey gonna come back and going to fight the winner of Amanda-Kayla, as long as the winner is Kayla. Okay, now this is the story. This is the story and let me tell you what part of this I can confirm. I can confirm the story came from Ronda.”

    Sonnen elaborated on the nature of Rousey’s potential comeback, emphasizing that she would not want to return simply to fight Amanda Nunes but has her sights set on Harrison. Sonnen also discussed what defines a true comeback in MMA, suggesting that true returns are driven by an overwhelming desire rather than conditions set by the returning athlete regarding opponents.

    The possibility of a Rousey-Harrison fight carries historical significance, as it would pit two Olympic judo medalists against each other in a major MMA bout. Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison faced each other once in a judo match at the 2005 U.S. Judo Championships. At that time, Rousey was 18 years old and just a few weeks past her 18th birthday, while Harrison was a 15-year-old rising talent. The match was a closely contested battle between two future Olympic medalists and MMA stars. Ultimately, Rousey emerged victorious in this encounter.

    Ronda Rousey at Home

    Observers note that Rousey left the UFC with a mixed legacy. While she was once the dominant champion and a marketable star, her losses raised doubts about her standing as a top contender. Sonnen pointed out that “Ronda never needed to leave. Ronda was about the eighth best girl in the world,” but the competitive landscape shifted as new fighters emerged. Whether Rousey can regain her top form remains a key question.

    Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison are poised for one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history. Harrison, the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, earned the title by defeating Julianna Pena at UFC 316. Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion considered by many as the greatest female fighter of all time, has come out of retirement to challenge Harrison and reclaim the bantamweight title. The fight is highly anticipated and may headline a major UFC event before the end of 2025, subject to Nunes completing the required drug testing protocols for her comeback.

  • The Internet vs. Ronda Rousey: Why Fans Turned On A Legend

    The Internet vs. Ronda Rousey: Why Fans Turned On A Legend

    At one point, Ronda Rousey was the most beloved figure in MMA, a trailblazer who broke barriers and dominated the sport like no other female fighter before her. But as quickly as she rose, public sentiment shifted. Today, Rousey’s legacy is often met with mixed reactions—praised by some, dismissed by others.

    Her longtime coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, believes the negativity is overblown. Speaking with VICE for Dark Side of the Cage, he suggested that the backlash isn’t about genuine dislike, but rather, absence.

    “They don’t hate her—they miss her,” Tarverdyan said. “If she came back, did interviews, showed up at events, people would love her again.”

    Rousey’s meteoric rise meant she was everywhere—on talk shows, magazine covers, and the big screen. But after her devastating losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, she largely withdrew from the MMA world.

    Unlike other fighters who continue engaging with the sport after retirement, Rousey shifted her focus to WWE, family life, and personal ventures, leaving a void that fans have filled with criticism.

    Tarverdyan sees this as part of a larger pattern in combat sports.

    “She changed the game, but when you become that big, that fast, some people will always turn on you,” he explained.

    The internet has amplified this divide, with social media allowing for both admiration and hostility in equal measure. But in reality, Rousey remains a pioneering figure in MMA history.

    If she ever decides to return to the fight world in any capacity—even just as a spectator—Tarverdyan believes she would be embraced once again.

    Conflict with Media

    • Criticism of MMA Media: Rousey has repeatedly accused the MMA media of unfairly tarnishing her reputation.
    • Joe Rogan and Others: She expressed disappointment with Joe Rogan and others, who she felt distanced themselves after her defeats, despite previously praising her.
    • Behind-the-Scenes Allegations: Former UFC broadcaster Jimmy Smith criticized Rousey for being difficult to work with during her UFC tenure, alleging that many behind-the-scenes staff disliked her due to her attitude.

    Fan Backlash

    Rousey has stated that the hostility from fans after her losses turned her appreciation for them into resentment. She believes they quickly dismissed her legacy, reducing it to her defeats rather than celebrating her groundbreaking achievements.

    During her WWE career, Rousey reportedly struggled with negative fan reactions, which she took personally despite being positioned as a top star during her runs there.

    Public Perception

    • Rousey’s public image remains polarizing. While many respect her achievements as a trailblazer in MMA and professional wrestling, others scrutinize her for perceived arrogance and controversial statements. Her memoir Our Fight has further fueled debates about her career and personal struggles.

    Ronda Rousey’s fall from grace in the eyes of some fans and media has been marked by feelings of betrayal on all sides. While she remains an iconic figure in combat sports, the complexities of fame and public scrutiny have left a lasting impact on her legacy.

  • Ronda Rousey’s Coach Admits Her $4.5 Million Career-Altering Mistake

    Ronda Rousey’s former coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, has admitted that accepting a $4.5 million payday for Rousey to fight Holly Holm on short notice was a critical mistake. Speaking on Dark Side of the Cage, Tarverdyan revealed that financial incentives played a major role in the rushed decision—a choice that ultimately led to one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history.

    The fight, which took place in November 2015, ended in devastating fashion, with Holm delivering a brutal head-kick knockout in the second round. Rousey, who had dominated the women’s bantamweight division up until that point, was left physically and emotionally shattered. Many fans and analysts speculated at the time that she wasn’t at her best, and now Tarverdyan has confirmed those concerns, admitting that insufficient preparation played a key role in her downfall.

    “I regret it,” Tarverdyan said, acknowledging that the decision to take the fight so soon was influenced by the massive financial offer on the table. “We should have waited.”

    This revelation highlights the difficult choices fighters and their teams must navigate—balancing lucrative opportunities with the need for proper training and recovery. In Rousey’s case, the rushed timeline didn’t just cost her a fight; it altered the trajectory of her career.

    As Dark Side of the Cage continues to explore the highs and lows of MMA’s biggest names, Tarverdyan’s candid admission offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a decision that changed the landscape of women’s MMA forever.

  • Dana White Shares What Gets People UFC Contracts, & It’s Not ‘A Personality Like Conor & Ronda…’

    Dana White Shares What Gets People UFC Contracts, & It’s Not ‘A Personality Like Conor & Ronda…’

    UFC is the biggest MMA promotion in the world, by far. Because most competitor promotions have turned into dust, it’s almost every MMA fighter’s dream to be a part of the esteemed UFC roaster. Unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in securing such an opportunity, given the promotion only picks the most elite fighters from around the world.

    Dana White, the businessman credited for the UFC’s rise, has no biases. He believes that having the desired fighting skills is the only basis on which a fighter can expect to be part of his promotion.

    In a recent interview with Mark Bouris leading up to UFC 312 in Australia, the UFC CEO was asked:

    “When you go out to put people into the UFC, you got your contender’s series. Are you looking for individuals who are happy to express themselves like as part or just the skill?”

    White had a straightforward answer.

    “Skills. You can be a deaf-mute, if you’re a bad*** I’m that’s what I’m interested in. I’m interested in how good are you at fighting. If you have a personality like Conor and Ronda and these others, that’s just, you know that’s just a homerun, it doesn’t suck.”

    Although White is aware that the UFC is a star-driven business, he still believes that a diverse skillset and potent fighting style make the foundation of a fighter he’d want fighting under his banner.

    By keeping skill as an entry barrier, the UFC ensures that the champions in every weight class are always reaching that pinnacle after fighting the best competition available in the world. In contrast, other promotions like PFL and ONE Championship are yet to make such an image among the fans.

    The UFC also keeps the competition healthy by constantly signing new names in all their divisions. From picking up the local superstars from regional circuits to poaching established names from the PFL, One Championship, and RIZIN, there are many ways to go about this.

    On top of that, of course, the UFC has dedicated shows like Dana White’s Contender Series, Road to UFC, and The Ultimate Fighter, that revolve around handing out contracts to up-and-coming fighters.

  • Dan Hardy Describes What Separates PFL Champ Dakota Ditcheva From ‘Pioneer’ Ronda Rousey

    Dan Hardy Describes What Separates PFL Champ Dakota Ditcheva From ‘Pioneer’ Ronda Rousey

    Dakota Ditcheva was one of the stand out stars of 2024, as seen in MMA News’ end of year awards. The female fighter of the year achieved incredible things in the PFL to prove once and for all that she is the real deal.

    The devastating striker has had clear star potential ever since she signed to the promotion but putting her into the regular season would be the real test for her and she passed each hurdle with flying colors. Her trajectory has been so rapid that some have drawn comparisons to the competitor that really kicked the door down for women in MMA, Ronda Rousey.

    Rousey’s personality and success inside the Octagon brought a new spotlight to the female side of the sport as she transcended MMA to become a mainstream sports star. Given Ditcheva’s star quality and proven capabilities inside the cage, the Brit could be heading the same way.

    In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, PFL commentator Dan Hardy spoke about what he believes is the key difference between Ditcheva and “Rowdy”. “The Outlaw” thinks that whilst both women have specialist skill sets to some degree, the reigning PFL flyweight champion has shown that she can do everything when she needs to.

    “Ronda was a pioneer in martial arts, women’s martial arts in particular, but the reason why she was so effective is because she was particularly overwhelming in one range, right? Like, she came in, she grabbed a hold of somebody, threw them to the floor, and wrenched their arm off. Whereas Dakota, over the last two years, has also shown that she’s a fully well-rounded MMA fighter.”

    Her performance in the finals where she dismantled Taila Santos before stopping her in the second round was proof of this. Rousey was able to run right through the opposition that was put in front of her as well until all of a sudden, the sport had moved on. For Ditcheva, she has proven this year that she’s far more well-rounded than the former face of women’s MMA.

    “I think that’s another thing that gives people a lot of confidence that she could compete with anyone in the world. She can grapple and stay safe if she hits the floor with a world-class jiu-jitsu player. And her takedown defense coupled with those Muay Thai knees could put anybody away. And she’s also got the frame that’s perfect for this weight class. I could make the argument right now that she could beat anybody in this weight class on the planet.”

  • Conor McGregor’s Coach Omits Jon Jones From His MMA Mount Rushmore

    Conor McGregor’s Coach Omits Jon Jones From His MMA Mount Rushmore

    Conor McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, recently shared his picks for an MMA Mount Rushmore. Intriguingly, Jon Jones was conspicuously absent from his list.

    The reigning UFC heavyweight champion’s name is a natural inclusion in any conversation about the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT), and his achievements would appear to certainly validate that status. “Bones” boasts a career marked by extraordinary accomplishments and historic milestones.

    At just 23, Jones made history by defeating then-light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua in the third round at UFC 128 in March 2011, securing his place as the youngest UFC champion ever. From that moment, he never looked back, embarking on a remarkable journey that culminated in an unprecedented 13 successful title defenses.

    In recent times, no one has been more vocally supportive of Jones’ status as the GOAT and the top pound-for-pound fighter than UFC CEO Dana White. White has been notably immersed in extensive discussions, staunchly defending the 37-year-old New Yorker’s legacy.

    However, Kavanagh’s all-time MMA elite list boasts an array of unexpected names, and it overlooks Jones despite his legendary career…

    Kavanagh Reveals Five Picks for MMA Mount Rushmore With No Jones

    During a recent discussion with Lucky Block, Kavanagh was prompted to name the greatest MMA fighters of all time. The renowned coach listed five names, deviating from the traditional four-person Mount Rushmore.

    Naturally, Kavanagh included “The Notorious” as his first pick, highlighting the remarkable achievements of his student and the profound impact he’s had on the sport.

    “Unsurprisingly, I’m going to name Conor first because he became the first simultaneous two-weight world champion. That’s no small feat, but also what he did for the game in general, his general introduction of MMA to a whole world who would have never seen it, really. He’s the first and maybe the only one to truly cross over into, let’s say, normal life, and obviously, now he’s in movies as well. A lot of people to be thankful that if you’re involved in the MMA industry, you probably had a few guys walk into your gym because of Conor’s influence.”

    Kavanagh then listed Russian MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko among his favorites, followed by UFC Hall of Famer BJ Penn, recognizing his McGregor-esque achievements.

    For his fourth pick, he named another legend, former longtime UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

    “Number two, I’ll say Fedor Emelianenko. He’s one of my favorite fighters of all time. Incredible Russian fighter. I’m going to say, BJ Penn, another two-weight world champion. Incredible skill set. At four, I have to go for Anderson Silva. I think some record number of title defenses and just so skillful, you watch him back in the day when he was fighting someone who’s a kind of a friend of mine, Forrest Griffin. Forrest is so tough, so durable, so good, and Anderson made the poor guy look like he’d never trained. He has amazing skills.”

    The SBG Ireland founder placed the first women’s UFC bantamweight champion, Ronda Rousey, as his fifth pick, celebrating her as a trailblazer who revolutionized women’s MMA.

    “At five I will say Ronda Rousey and not just for her amazing victories in the UFC, but the fact that she really introduced women’s MMA to the world. Dana was pretty headstrong all those years, saying he would never have women in MMA. And I think he took one look at her and said, let’s get women in MMA. So, there we go. That’s my five.”

    Kavanagh’s omission of “Bones” from his MMA Mount Rushmore is indeed surprising, but he’s not alone in leaving out the former light heavyweight champion.

    Recently, UFC middleweight veteran Sam Alvey has also excluded Jones from his list of top fighters, further stirring curiosity about Jones’ place in the pantheon of MMA greatness.

  • ‘It’s Not Good!’ – Chael Sonnen Predicts Tom Aspinall Could Suffer The Same Fate As Ronda Rousey Against Jon Jones

    ‘It’s Not Good!’ – Chael Sonnen Predicts Tom Aspinall Could Suffer The Same Fate As Ronda Rousey Against Jon Jones

    Although Jon Jones will most likely be booked to fight Stipe Miocic next, his rivalry with Tom Aspinall is also heating up on the sidelines. The interim UFC heavyweight champion is eager to unify the belts, requiring him to face the winner of Jones vs. Miocic.

    Aspinall has bagged 15 wins since turning pro in MMA, and all of them have been stoppages via KO or submission. On top of that, he’s finished all but one fight in the UFC in the first round. This explains why fans consider him to be Jones’ real test instead of Miocic, who hasn’t fought since losing to Francis Ngannou in 2021.

    Aspinall has looked unstoppable till now, but Chael Sonnen has concerns about him not being tested enough in the Octagon yet…

    Chael Sonnen Highlights Striking Similarities In Early UFC Careers Of Tom Aspinall And Ronda Rousey

    Sonnen discussed the rivalry between Aspinall and Jones on his YouTube channel recently. He believes that the interim champ bringing up the undisputed kingpin’s past PED usage was bound to rub the latter the wrong way.

    “The American Gangster” then stated that a fight between “Bones” and Aspinall, if it happens, will likely be scheduled for UFC International Fight Week in 2025. It might be hard for Aspinall to get an opponent during this time as the interim champ, and his inactivity would work in favor of the former UFC light heavyweight champion.

    Sonnen also revealed the downside of Aspinall firing through the competition with such ease so far. His rise to the top resembles Ronda Rousey, who had 11 first-round finishes in her pro career, including five in the UFC.

    “I’m not sure you understand that. That is not helpful, that is not a good thing. It looks good and it sounds good, it’s not good! When you find yourself in a fight harder than you’re used to, it’s a problem for everybody. It is the number one reason that Ronda lost to Holly Holm. It was not the right leg kick. It was because the six other girls that Ronda had been in there with checked out collectively in a shorter time than Holly had made it. That was the problem. It’s a problem for everyone. There’s nothing you can do about it.”

    According to the former UFC middleweight title contender, Rousey lost to Holly Holm because she wasn’t used to opponents surviving her initial onslaught. As soon as someone put her to the test, she was overwhelmed and it all came crashing down.

    Sonnen fears that Aspinall might have similar problems if he takes on an opponent as durable and experienced as Jones. For now, though, there is no way to confirm whether we’ll ever see the two meet in the Octagon.

  • PFL Star Touted For Ronda Rousey-esque Growth: ‘She Knows Exactly When To Switch Off The Savage & Become The Sweetheart…’

    PFL Star Touted For Ronda Rousey-esque Growth: ‘She Knows Exactly When To Switch Off The Savage & Become The Sweetheart…’

    Ronda Rousey will always be a massive part of the history of MMA and whilst she was a pioneer in many ways, no female fighter has been able to reach that same level of star power.

    There have been many athletes that come along with elements of star potential but the PFL’s Dakota Ditcheva appears to have everything.

    It was clear that she had a special quality about her when talking to the media but of course, none of that matters if you can’t back it up in the cage.

    Despite detractors regarding her quality of opponents, Ditcheva has beaten everyone that the PFL has put in front of her to go from winning the PFL Europe tournament last year to advancing to the finals of the regular season this year, where she will take on former UFC title challenger Taila Santos in a must-see bout.

    Sean O’Connell Says Dakota Ditcheva Has Everything She Needs To Be A Huge Star

    Ditcheva appeared on stage moments before the press conference for Francis Ngannou’s PFL debut, where she was joined by Jake Paul who compared her to Rousey.

    PFL commentator Sean O’Connell believes that whilst she might be doing it in a different way, he can understand the comparisons between the former face of women’s MMA and one of the most exciting contenders around right now.

    He spoke in an interview with TalkSPORT about how Ditcheva has the world at her feet because she ticks every box to become a huge star.

    “She has the potential to be a superstar but not for the same reasons as Ronda Rousey. Ronda was the pioneer, Ronda was the one that broke the barrier and got women into the UFC and unfortunately, that’s a milestone that can never be reached again even for someone with the star caliber of Dakota Ditcheva. You could make the argument that it’s going to be harder for Dakota to reach those heights of celebrity but she absolutely is capable of it.

    “First of all, because of how incredible she is as a fighter but also she understands the media game, right. She knows exactly when to switch off that savage and become the sweetheart again. She’s got the look, she’s got the charisma and when you have that plus the ability to knock women out like she does, the sky is the limit.”

    Read also: 2024 PFL 9 Playoffs: Brendan Loughnane vs. Kai Kamaka III Results & Highlights (7 PM ET)

  • Dana White Dubs Ronda Rousey The ‘Greatest Athlete’ He’s Ever Worked With, Names His Top 3 Favorite UFC Fighters Of All Time

    Dana White Dubs Ronda Rousey The ‘Greatest Athlete’ He’s Ever Worked With, Names His Top 3 Favorite UFC Fighters Of All Time

    Ronda Rousey elevated into a superstar during her iconic UFC run between 2013 and 2015. She became one of the biggest draws in the promotion by defending the UFC women’s bantamweight title five times against top competition like Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Liz Carmouche.

    Rousey’s loss to Holly Holm was a huge upset, though. It was followed by her absence from the sport for over a year, and upon her return, she suffered another loss to Amanda Nunes.

    While MMA fans are still divided over Rousey’s abrupt retirement after the loss to Nunes, Dana White has all the praise in the world for her…

    Dana White Explains How Ronda Rousey’s Greatness Led To Her Downfall In The UFC

    White recently appeared on The Big Podcast by Shaquille O’Neal and revealed his top three favorite UFC fighters to work with. Off the top of his head, he named Chuck Liddell and Rousey and then unsurprisingly mentioned Conor McGregor.

    “My two all-time favorites, the two people that were the best ever to deal with and that I absolutely love, Chuck Liddell, Ronda Rousey. Ronda Rousey is the greatest athlete I’ve ever worked with, by 100 miles, okay. And then, Conor McGregor has been a great athlete to work with for me.

    However, the UFC President highlighted that “Rowdy” has been his favorite athlete to work with by far. He appreciated the former UFC champ’s willingness to do big things in life and take on any responsibilities thrown at her.

    White remembered that Rousey never backed down from a challenge. While the rest of the women’s bantamweight fighters were solely training to beat the champ, she took part in various ventures that helped the company.

    When asked what made “Rowdy” special, here’s what he had to say:

    “She ended up becoming so big and so popular that she took on so many different things at the same time. Meanwhile, all the other women in the division are just training to beat Ronda. Exactly, right, you break Ronda down and you just figure out how to beat Ronda. Ronda took everything on her back and carried it and she would never say no to anything.”

    The UFC CEO then claimed that Rousey’s aim to keep achieving also affected her career. Had she been more focused on just fighting like the rest of her competitors, she might’ve been able to extend her remarkable title defense streak further.

    Like countless MMA enthusiasts, White credited Rousey for popularizing women’s MMA and opening his eyes to its true potential.

    Read More: Muhammad Mokaev Believes UFC Didn’t Want Him To Take ‘American Star’ Jon Jones’ Youngest Champ Record

  • Ronda Rousey On Not Getting Closure With MMA Fans: ‘I Don’t Think I Would Be Serving The Sport Or Division In The Right Way…’

    It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Ronda Rousey is one of the most popular mixed martial artists ever. After defending her Strikeforce women’s bantamweight title, she bagged the title in the UFC as well and racked up five consecutive defenses.

    However, it all came crashing down when Rousey lost her title to Holly Holm via a crushing first round KO. She then returned to the Octagon after almost a year, and lost to Amanda Nunes via KO in the first again.

    “Rowdy” hasn’t fought in the UFC since then and eventually signed up with the WWE which has been a bone of contention among fans to date. The former champion has opened up on situations that led to her retirement and why she avoided coming back after just two losses…

    Ronda Rousey Opens Up On Struggles With Concussions That Led To UFC Retirement

    Rousey recently appeared on the SHAK MMA YouTube channel and addressed her rather unexpected retirement from MMA. Tons of fans discredited her entire legacy due to this while others accused her of running away from top talents.

    “Started doing, you know, Judo, at a young age, and kept getting concussions, regularly. And, you know, multiple times a year, and not being allowed to speak up or say anything about it, and um, as a fighter, you’re just not supposed to show any weakness or talk about things like that.”

    “Rowdy” highlighted the ignorance towards cumulative neurological injury in sports, especially mixed martial arts. She claimed that all fighters deal with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as they take shots to the head, but the pace varies.

    Rousey revealed her that she dealt with her first concussion at six. This naturally worsened as she fought in Strikeforce, UFC, and other MMA promotions. So, she hung up the gloves when she could no longer fight without risking long-term neurological injuries.

    “You’ll never know when you take one hit too many until many decades later, but I also, I don’t think that I would be serving the sport or the division in the right way if I stuck around too long and I got to a point where I knew that I literally could not be taking those head in the packs and continue to compete at that same level.”

    The former Olympic Judo medalist clarified that she didn’t want to represent women MMA when not at her best. She was silent about her concussions to not affect her transition to WWE and other projects, but has no reason to hold back any more.

  • Chael Sonnen Explains Why Nate Diaz Can Easily Return To UFC, Unlike Ronda Rousey: ‘She Had To Be A Main Event’

    Chael Sonnen Explains Why Nate Diaz Can Easily Return To UFC, Unlike Ronda Rousey: ‘She Had To Be A Main Event’

    Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal exceeded the expectations of many when they headlined a boxing event at Honda Center, Anaheim, this weekend. The constant back and forth between the MMA veterans made for an entertaining fight, and rumors around their return to the UFC have already caught fire.

    Diaz last fought in the UFC in September 2022, defeating Tony Ferguson via submission. He then fought Jake Paul in August 2023 but lost via decision. After beating Masvidal on the scorecards, he called out Paul and the top UFC welterweights, teasing a return to the promotion.

    Tons of fans believed the Ferguson fight was a send-off for Diaz by the UFC. However, Chael Sonnen thinks that returning for another run is feasible for the Stockton native because, well, he’s not Ronda Rousey…

    Chael Sonnen Lays Down The Plan For Nate Diaz To Fight Dustin Poirier In UFC Return

    Sonnen discussed Diaz’s return to the UFC on his official YouTube channel recently. He started by giving context about UFC contracts and why a star like Rousey could never return properly after losing the belt.

    “I maintain for you, one of the things that cost Ronda Rousey her career was not that she was falling down in the first round over and over, it was that her contract was so big, she had to be a main event and it had to be of a pay-per-view just to justify the numbers. And main events of pay-per-views were world title fights, which means as good as Ronda was, and she was very good. She was very good, we just found out how exceptional Amanda Nunes was.”

    As per “The American Gangster”, athletes like Rousey get massive contracts that can only be justified with main-event or title fights. So, Rousey struggled to find a place in the UFC when she could no longer fare well against the top women fighters.

    The former UFC title challenger then explained how things are different for Diaz. He usually fights in co-main or main events but has the star power to draw viewers without a belt. A great example is his latest boxing bout with Masvidal.

    “Nate’s position is going to be different and it’s got to be done. In fact, Jon Anik, one of the Diaz boys’ biggest supporters, knows the same thing to be true that I just said, and has made his suggestion, which is Dustin Poirier. Bring Nate in, get him in there with Dustin, solves every possible problem.”

    Sonnen claimed that Dana White intends to organize multiple fights whenever he gives fighters a contract. Diaz seems open to fighting several times upon his UFC return which could make negotiations easier.

    “The American Gangster” believes Dustin Poirier, who is potentially looking for an intriguing retirement bout, to be Diaz’s best option upon returning to the Octagon. Amidst the optimism, he also cited that renegotiating a new UFC contract and then choosing your opponent can naturally get complicated.

    Hence, Diaz, who’s already 39, might want to hit while the iron is still hot.

    Read More: Magomed Ankalaev Continues Persistent Pursuit Of Alex Pereira Post-UFC 303: ‘This Is A Promise…’ 

  • UFC Fight Night Denver Headliner Tracy Cortez Envisions ‘Surpassing’ Ronda Rousey: ‘I Say This Humbly…’

    UFC Fight Night Denver Headliner Tracy Cortez Envisions ‘Surpassing’ Ronda Rousey: ‘I Say This Humbly…’

    Ahead of her main event debut this weekend, UFC women’s flyweight Tracy Cortez has detailed the kind of success she’s envisioning for herself on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    Since losing her professional debut under the Invicta FC banner in 2017, Cortez has experienced nothing but her hand raised inside the cage, winning 11 straight fights to establish herself as one to watch at 125 pounds.

    After adding the name of Erin Blanchfield to her record in 2019 and subsequently securing a victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, Cortez’s winning run has extended with a perfect 5-0 record in the UFC.

    Now, the Phoenix native is set for her toughest test to date in the form of Rose Namajunas. With the former two-time strawweight champion left without an opponent for this weekend’s UFC Fight Night main event in Denver following Maycee Barber’s withdrawal, Cortez has stepped up on short notice.

    And beyond making the most of the sizable opportunity awaiting her at the Ball Arena on Saturday night, Cortez is foreseeing an ascent to the highest possible step on the women’s MMA ladder…

    Cortez Outlines Lofty UFC Ambitions Ahead Of Main Event Debut

    During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Cortez looked ahead to the shot at title contention that has fallen at her doorstep this weekend in Denver.

    In terms of what she hopes to achieve with victories over notable names like “Thug Rose,” the #11-ranked flyweight set her sights on going above and beyond the legacy left behind in the cage by a trailblazer for female MMA.

    “You know, I’m very grateful for the way Ronda (Rousey) paved the way for women’s MMA. No one has done it like she has,” Cortez said. “But I say this humbly, I hope to surpass that. She set a goal, and I think us as competitors, we want to keep overstepping these goals and overdoing what our last heroes did.

    “I saw the way she moved and (I’m) finessing and tweaking, making it my own and hoping to surpass what she has done,” Cortez added.

    Having won all five of her Octagon outings to date and cemented a ranking with her victory over Jasmine Jasudavicius at Noche UFC last September, the next step on Cortez’s journey toward the greatness former bantamweight queen Rousey achieved in the cage is a big one.

    To remain perfect in the UFC and notch her first headline triumph, the 30-year-old is tasked with stalling the two-division ambitions of Namajunas.

  • (Archives) Rousey: I Could Beat 100% Of UFC’s Male BW Fighters (2015)

    At one point, Ronda Rousey was viewed by many to be indestructible and borderline unbeatable. No one believed this more than Rousey, who thought that she would have been literally unbeatable against the men’s UFC bantamweight roster.

    The following article was published on this day seven years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Seven Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 5, 2015, 3:59 PM]

    Following her 14-second destruction of the previously undefeated Cat Zingano at UFC 184 this past Saturday night, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey turned some heads with comments she made during an appearance on the ESPN program “SportsCenter.”

    Rousey, who appeared on the sports talk show on Thursday, stated that she “could beat 100 percent” of the UFC Men’s Bantamweight fighters.

    “I never say that I’m incapable of beating anybody, because I don’t believe in putting limits on myself,” said Rousey. “So I mean, I would have to say if you’re just talking about what’s in the realm of possibility of what’s possible of who I could beat, well I could beat 100 percent of them. You can’t tell me that there’s a zero percent chance that I can beat anyone on the planet, so I’m never gonna say that.”

    Rousey continued, “It’s not that they’re lacking anything so much. They decided later in life that they wanted to be a fighter. A lot of these girls already developed a personality and had a life and one day they decided, ‘I’m gonna give it a try.’ Whereas, this is literally what I was raised to do.”

    Looking back on her dominant performance over Zingano this past weekend at UFC 184, which may have been ordered by more than 500,000 homes on pay-per-view, Rousey said she felt it was nearly a flawless performance.

    “I looked through it and there literally isn’t a single wasted movement the entire fight,” said Rousey. “I wish I could have reacted a little sooner maybe with her charging at me. I can’t say a single bad thing about it, except for my reaction time in the beginning. If you watch it frame by frame, literally I did a backwards cartwheel off my face. I didn’t plan that at all. But if that’s your reaction at the moment, I guess you planned something right.”

  • Rousey Shares Message Of Support And Defense Of Cain Velasquez

    Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is the latest UFC star to come to the defense of Cain Velasquez following his recent arrest for attempted murder.

    Velasquez was arrested and charged with attempted murder among other charges for allegedly shooting the stepfather of an accused molester near San Jose, CA. Velasquez pursued Harry Eugene Goularte and went on a high-speed chase in footage just released to the public.

    The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated for his wounds at a local hospital.

    Velasquez is currently being held at a Bay Area prison without bail. He has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a firearm, and willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle. He could face at least 20 years of jail time with a maximum life sentence also on the table.

    In a recent tweet, Rousey came to the defense of Velasquez following his legal issues this week.

    “I would have done the same thing if not worse #freeCainVelasquez,” Rousey tweeted.

    Many current and former UFC stars and personalities have come to the defense of Velasquez in recent days. This includes UFC president Dana White and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Velasquez last competed in the UFC against Francis Ngannou in 2019, suffering a first-round knockout loss. The investigation into the alleged shooting incident is ongoing.

    What are your thoughts on the whole Cain Velasquez situation?

  • Archives: Arianny Celeste Calls Rousey A Bully, Rousey Responds (2015)

    The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.

    On This Day Seven Years Ago…

    [ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 26, 2015, 12:54 PM]

    UFC Octagon girl Arianny Celeste is not taking kindly to Ronda Rousey’s recent statement that fighters should make more than UFC’s Octagon girls.

    The longtime UFC employee told the folks at MMA Junkie Radio earlier this week that Rousey is a “big bully” who “continuously picks on me..” Rousey, however, has a different take.

    “What did I say that was a bully?” Rousey said at a recent media scrum, which you can watch above via MMAFighting.com. “That the fighters should get paid more than the ring girls? How does that make me a bully? That makes me f*cking right. I’m sorry, but she wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for the fighters. She wouldn’t. You think her walking in circles around the two guys or two girls out there fighting for their lives is worth more? Think she works harder than they do?”

    In 2012, Rousey took some shots at Celeste when the two were both ranked in Maxim’s Hot 100 list. Rousey, who was not in the UFC at the time, stated the following:

    “It would have been really funny if I’d beaten Arianny Celeste, because that would be like a triathlete coming along and beating the runners in a marathon,” Rousey said at the time. “Like, ‘Haha, it’s your job to show your t*ts – I do that better than you!’ Maybe next year. She’s only getting older, and I’m reaching my prime.”

    During her radio appearance earlier this week, Celeste elaborated on her position, explaining why she tries to separate herself from the “MMA world.”

    “I’m not going to talk about her because I’m not a fighter,” Celeste said. “I’m not going to waste my time. I actually don’t talk about anyone. It blows my mind that someone who doesn’t even know me continuously picks on me. And that’s all I see her as: a big bully.”

    Rousey feels Celeste is taking things personally, and offered a bit of advice for the UFC employee.

    “You know what would have been the best thing for her to say?” Rousey said. “‘Oh my God, you know, these fighters work so hard and I wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for them. I just admire them so much. And yeah, I definitely think that they should get paid more than anybody in the arena tonight.’ There ya go. That’s a PR lesson for her.”

    While Rousey may not be Celeste’s biggest fan, she did explain that she has no issue with Octagon girls in general, pointing out the fact that she has respect for UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer.

    “She went and became a ring card girl to pay her way through art school and become a renowned artist,” Rousey said. “And her being ring card girl helps her promote her art. If you’re working at Hooters because you’re trying to pay your way through medical school, then f*ckin’ work it girl. I respect the hustle. But don’t think you’re hot sh*t just because you work at Hooters. Use it to further yourself in life; don’t think that you’re awesome just because you do that. I’m sorry, but I’m not impressed with the job in itself.”

    Rousey makes her Octagon return at UFC 184 this Saturday night in Los Angeles, California, as she defends the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship against undefeated number one contender Cat Zingano.

  • Kayla Harrison Admits Sadness At Estranged Relationship With Rousey

    Two-time PFL champion Kayla Harrison has admitted she’s saddened by her broken relationship with former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.

    While Rousey has left the sport after holding gold on its biggest stage and pioneering the rise of female MMA into the mainstream, Harrison is currently forging her own legacy inside the cage.

    After transitioning to MMA following two gold medal triumphs at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, Harrison made a splash in the rising PFL promotion. Now approaching her fourth year in the sport, the 31-year-old sits as the most sought-after free agent in the game after back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2021.

    But while Harrison continues to pummel her competition and perhaps gets set for a move to the UFC or Bellator, she’s creating her success in the sport without former friend Rousey by her side.

    During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Marc Raimondi, Harrison discussed her current relationship with Rousey, whom she was roommates and good friends with when the pair were part of the US judo team together over a decade ago, long before “Rowdy” gained celebrity status.

    After admitting that they aren’t friends anymore, Harrison suggested the turn of events is saddening, especially given how Rousey helped her during the Ohio native’s teen years.

    “No, I think we kinda are like, I don’t think we’re friends anymore. I don’t know. We’re estranged, that’s the perfect word,” Harrison said. “We were roommates, you know. We traveled the world together at one point. She was buying me groceries cause I was a poor 16-year-old with like, five bucks in my account. So, at one point I really looked up to her and we were close. So, it is sad.”

    Harrison Comments On Rousey’s WWE Return

    Since her invincibility inside the Octagon was crushed by a Holly Holm head kick in 2015 and an Amanda Nunes onslaught in 2016, Rousey has pursued ventures outside of MMA. That’s included a transition to the art of professional wrestling.

    She made her first WWE appearance early in 2018 before debuting at the company’s showcase event, WrestleMania, later in the year. After winning the Raw Women’s Championship and holding it for 231 days, the 35-year-old’s contract expired.

    After taking time away, a period that included the birth of her first child, Rousey returned to the ring last month.

    During her interaction with ESPN, Harrison reacted to her former roommate’s return to her “fake thing.” She also shut the door on a potential reunion with “Rowdy” on the pro wrestling circuit.

    “I heard she’s back to, ‘Be nice Kayla…’ She’s back to doing her thing, her fake thing [LAUGHS]… Can you imagine if I joined her (in WWE)? … We’d beat the men. Like, legit. It’s never gonna happen,” Harrison stated.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZWzAnJLjTh/

    While Rousey begins another stint with WWE, Harrison will be hoping to confirm her immediate future and next destination soon as she gears up for a targeted spring return to the cage.

    It initially appeared another season with the PFL was leading the charge. But an apparent breakdown in negotiations has left the door wide open. Having met with UFC officials in previous months, perhaps we’ll see Harrison pursue similar success to Rousey on MMA’s biggest stage soon enough.

    Do you think Kayla Harrison can surpass Ronda Rousey’s achievements and legacy in the sport of MMA?

  • Julianna Peña Open To Exploring Potential WWE Run In The Future

    The UFC‘s new women’s bantamweight champion, Julianna Peña, is open to a future with the WWE.

    “The Venezuelan Vixen” told the NY Post she would give professional wrestling a shot if the opportunity ever presented itself.

    “Right now my focus is on fighting. Later on, if that opportunity presents itself, I don’t see why I couldn’t explore that avenue. Definitely, my focus is on fighting for the UFC,” said Peña.

    Recently winning the championship and already having the rematch targeted for later this year, Peña certainly has a lot to focus on in her UFC career. Her next opponent, Amanda Nunes, will have her chance to reclaim the Bantamweight throne.

    Both women were recently announced as the coaches for the 30th season of The Ultimate Fighter with the rematch expected to take place this summer.

    Peña May Have Her Dream Opponent Waiting For Her In WWE

    If Peña did make a move over to the WWE, perhaps we could see her tangle with someone she’s called out in the UFC for years, Ronda Rousey.

    The bantamweight champ wasted no time after gaining the victory over Nunes at UFC 269 in December. Already, she has opponents lined up, one of whom being the 2022 WWE Woman’s Royal Rumble winner, Ronda “Rowdy” Rousey. Rousey made her return to WWE programming last month, and she is currently scheduled to perform at this year’s WrestleMania against Charlotte Flair.

    During Season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter, fans of the show witnessed the beginning of Peña’s and Rousey’s conflict.

    Miesha Tate, Julianna Peña, Ronda Rousey
    Miesha Tate, Julianna Peña, Ronda Rousey, Credit: The Ultimate Fighter

    Peña’s friendship with Miesha Tate solidified their tension, and as fierce competitors, they bumped heads while filming the show.

    The queen of armbar submissions may have been the face of the UFC’s women’s league at the time, but Peña never cowered and still desires a match with her in the cage.

    Hopefully for Peña, Rousey will pull a Brock Lesnar and make one more appearance in the UFC. However, if the curtain is officially closed on “Rowdy” returning to the Octagon, a WWE match might settle the fire between them.

    What do you think of Julianna Peña joining the WWE in the future?