Ronda Rousey, the pioneering former UFC bantamweight champion, recently disclosed her long-held struggle with concealing “concussions and neurological injuries” throughout her groundbreaking tenure in the sport.
The 37-year-old American trailblazer made history by becoming the first woman to join the UFC in 2012, defending her title six times before her significant defeat by Holly Holm in 2015. Reflecting on this pivotal loss, Rousey revealed a profound realization about prioritizing her long-term health, prompting her to embark on a journey of self-assessment.
In a candid interview with BBC Sport following the release of her new book, “Our Fight,” Rousey unveiled the toll her decade-long judo career, which culminated in an Olympic bronze medal for the USA in 2008, had taken on her UFC journey. She spoke openly about entering the Holm fight already concussed, attributing it to a fall down the stairs two weeks prior.
However, she acknowledged that concealing concussions had become ingrained in her athletic identity, prompting a critical moment of self-awareness regarding the extent of her neurological injuries.
Despite her struggles, Rousey’s legacy in MMA remains indelible. With nine armbar stoppages and 11 first-round victories, she employed a strategic approach focused on efficiency and avoiding unnecessary damage.
Her deliberate style, born out of necessity due to her early inability to withstand hits, ultimately became a hallmark of her dominance in the sport. While she acknowledges her defeats, Rousey also takes pride in revolutionizing fighting techniques, reflecting on her legacy with a mixture of solemnity and pride.
