Ronda Rousey MMA Training: Finding Love Again
- Ronda Rousey, a name synonymous with the early popularization of women's mixed martial arts (MMA), has largely remained out of the spotlight since her last fight in 2016.Her...
- Rousey initially gained prominence as an Olympic bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics ([Olympics.com](https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/beijing-2008/medals)).
- Her signature armbar submissions and aggressive fighting style captivated audiences.
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Ronda Rousey: From MMA Star to Multi-Hyphenate, and the Lingering “What If?”
Table of Contents
Updated September 21, 2025, 17:13:17
the Rise and fall of a Pioneer
Ronda Rousey, a name synonymous with the early popularization of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA), has largely remained out of the spotlight since her last fight in 2016.Her journey from Olympic judoka to UFC superstar, and subsequent transition into professional wrestling and entertainment, is a compelling story of athletic dominance, unexpected setbacks, and a successful second act.
Rousey initially gained prominence as an Olympic bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Beijing Olympics ([Olympics.com](https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/beijing-2008/medals)). She transitioned to MMA, quickly becoming a dominant force in the Strikeforce and then the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Her signature armbar submissions and aggressive fighting style captivated audiences. Rousey’s early UFC career was marked by a series of incredibly fast victories, including wins over Liz carmouche and Miesha Tate. She became the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion in 2013, a title she defended successfully multiple times.
The Shocking Losses and Hiatus
The seemingly unstoppable Rousey suffered her first professional loss in November 2015 to Holly Holm at UFC 193 ([UFC.com](https://www.ufc.com/news/holly-holm-upsets-ronda-rousey-ufc-193)). Holm defeated Rousey with a stunning head kick knockout in the second round. This loss was a major upset and marked a turning point in Rousey’s career.
Following the defeat, Rousey took a year-long hiatus from competition. Her return at UFC 207 in december 2016 against Amanda Nunes proved disastrous, as Nunes defeated her in just 48 seconds ([ESPN](https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/21534444/amanda-nunes-knocks-ronda-rousey-ufc-207)). This second consecutive loss effectively ended her MMA career.
Life After the Octagon
Now 38 years old (as of September 21, 2025), Rousey appears content with her life outside of fighting. She has successfully transitioned into professional wrestling with WWE, becoming a prominent figure in the company. She also authored a New York Times bestselling autobiography, My Fight/Your Fight, and released a second book, a memoir titled Pouring Over You: A Memoir in 2024.
Beyond wrestling and writing, rousey has made appearances in films, television shows, and video games,