Ronda Rousey has built a legacy unlike any other athlete in combat sports and is one of the greatest female athletes that ever lived for most.
Her ability to transition from one of the most dominant mixed martial artists in history to a bona fide professional wrestling superstar is a rare feat — that very few ever did — yet Ronda Rousey was able to do so.
While many fighters struggle to remain relevant after leaving the octagon, Rousey not only reinvented herself but also thrived in an entirely different arena.
Her journey from Olympic judo to the UFC and ultimately to WWE is a story of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering competitive spirit.
Olympic Beginnings: The Making of a Champion
Before Rousey became a household name in MMA and professional wrestling, she was already making history in judo.
Born to a mother who was a world judo champion, Rousey was introduced to combat sports at a young age.
Her dedication and skill led her to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, securing bronze.
This achievement laid the foundation for her combat sports career and showcased her ability to excel under pressure.
However, despite her success, judo offered limited financial opportunities.
Realizing that her athletic prime could be better utilized elsewhere, Rousey turned to mixed martial arts, a move that would change the landscape of women’s combat sports forever.
The Rise of a UFC Icon
Rousey’s transition to MMA was nothing short of spectacular.
Making her professional debut in 2011, she quickly gained recognition for her devastating armbar submission, which became her trademark finishing move.
After just a handful of fights, she was crowned the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, proving that she was a force to be reckoned with.
When the UFC absorbed Strikeforce in 2012, Rousey became the first-ever UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, marking a pivotal moment in MMA history.
Prior to her arrival, UFC President Dana White had publicly stated that women would never fight in the UFC. Rousey shattered that notion, not only by competing but by becoming one of the promotion’s biggest stars.
Her dominance in the octagon was undeniable.
She successfully defended her title six times, defeating elite contenders like Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano, and Sara McMann.
Her ability to finish fights quickly—often within the first round—cemented her reputation as one of the most dangerous athletes in MMA.
Facing Adversity: The End of an Era in the Octagon
For years, Rousey seemed invincible, but in 2015, her reign came to an abrupt halt.
At UFC 193, she suffered a shocking knockout loss to Holly Holm, a result that stunned the sports world.
Rousey’s invincibility had been shattered, and her return to the octagon a year later against Amanda Nunes ended in another devastating defeat.
Unlike other fighters who bounce back from losses, Rousey’s defeats marked the end of her MMA career.
She chose to step away from the sport entirely, avoiding media interviews and staying out of the spotlight.
Critics questioned her ability to handle adversity, but Rousey had already set her sights on a new challenge: professional wrestling.
A New Arena: Dominating WWE
In 2018, Rousey shocked the sports world once again by signing with WWE. Many doubted whether she could transition smoothly from real combat to scripted entertainment, but she quickly silenced critics.
Making her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34, she teamed up with Kurt Angle to defeat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon in a performance that received widespread acclaim.
Rousey’s WWE tenure was nothing short of spectacular. She captured the Raw Women’s Championship within months and held the title for 231 days, proving she was more than just a special attraction.
The physicality, presence, and natural ability of Ronda Rousey to perform on the microphone made her one of WWE’s biggest stars.
She headlined WrestleMania 35 in a historic main event alongside Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, further solidifying her impact on the industry.
Criticism and Controversies
Despite her success in WWE, Rousey has not been without controversy.
Some wrestling purists criticized her for her rapid rise in the company, believing she had not paid her dues like other performers.
Additionally, her outspoken nature and real-life combat sports background sometimes led to tension with fellow wrestlers.
Her departure from WWE in 2019 left fans wondering if she would return.
Although she made a comeback in 2022, her second stint was met with mixed reactions. While her in-ring abilities remained strong, her character work and booking did not resonate as effectively with audiences.
Nonetheless, her contributions to the wrestling industry remain significant.
A Legacy That Transcends Sports
Ronda Rousey and her journey from judo to MMA and WWE showcases a rare blend of talent, determination, and adaptability.
Few athletes have been able to cross over into different disciplines and find success at the highest level, but Rousey has done so with remarkable effectiveness.
Her impact on combat sports is undeniable.
In the UFC, she paved the way for female fighters, proving that women’s MMA could be a major draw. In WWE, she helped elevate women’s wrestling to new heights, participating in the first-ever women’s WrestleMania main event.
Regardless of where her career takes her next, Rousey’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the most influential figures in combat sports history.
Ronda Rousey has inspired countless athletes to break barriers and redefine what is possible, proving that dominance is not limited to a single arena.