Ronda Rousey proved she’s more than a grappler in 2014.
The Olympic-level judoka transitioned to MMA and won UFC gold by submitting nine consecutive opponents during a legendary three-year run.
Rousey won a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics Credit: AFP
‘Rowdy’ showed off her striking ability at UFC 175 Credit: Getty
Not content with being a submission specialist, Rousey began working on her boxing and it paid dividends when she knocked out Sara McMann to win her tenth professional fight.
However, ‘Rowdy’ really started to earn striking praise in her next fight when she ruthlessly stopped Alexis Davis in a title defence at UFC 175 in July 2014.
Just 16 seconds was all it took for her to get the win in Las Vegas.
Rousey opened up with punches from the first bell, but it was a jab she ate that caught the eye of UFC commentator Joe Rogan who began to praise Davis.
Moments later, the current WWE superstar answered back with an overhand right that appeared to hurt her opponent before following up with a knee to the stomach.
Rousey used her judo skills to hurl her dazed and winded opponent to the floor.
The 36-year-old landed in side control and had her challenger’s head locked up.
From there, she proceeded to bash ‘Ally-Gator’ with punches until referee Yves Levine stepped in to call things off.
After wobbling Davis on the feet, Rousey tossed her to the mat Credit: UFC – YouTube
Davis tried to defend herself but ended up fighting the referee Credit: UFC – YouTube
Rousey’s quick KO led to a wild scene as Davis initially tried to continue wrestling the champion before grappling with the referee when he managed to separate the two fighters.
Amazingly, Rousey broke her fastest stoppage record next time out.
Cat Zingano fell victim to UFC Hall of Famer’s signature armbar submission after just 14 seconds in February 2015.
Another quick KO win over Bethe Correia, who was floored in 34 seconds a few months later, proved to be the last time Rousey tasted victory inside the Octagon.
Holm stunned the world with her brutal KO of Rousey Credit: AFP – Getty
Rousey’s UFC career came to a disastrous end at the hands of Nunes in 2016 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Despite being an overwhelming favourite heading into her fight with Holly Holm in November 2015, Rousey was outfought and knocked out inside two rounds at UFC 193.
After 13 months on the sidelines contemplating her future in the sport, Rousey returned against Amanda Nunes only to get stopped inside a minute by the Brazilian puncher.
A second consecutive loss prompted Rousey’s retirement from MMA, and she went on to become a professional wrestler and also gave birth in 2021.
Rumours about an impending UFC comeback, though, have been swirling in 2023.
Rousey has successfully transitioned to the WWE Credit: Getty
But it’s beleived she wants another shot at UFC glory Credit: Getty
UFC commentator Jon Anik backed Rousey to make a sensational return to MMA when Nunes retired and featherweight fighter Chelsea Chandler claimed the former champion was back in the gym.
UFC president Dana White recently insisted there’s ‘no shot’ Rousey ever returns to the UFC, but excitement about her potential comeback continues to build as inside sources disagree with the MMA mogul.
According to one of her ‘confidants’, Rousey wants to fight at UFC 300 in 2024.
“She is now focusing on potentially making a run to have one last fight in the UFC and compete at UFC 300 when that presents itself sometime next year,” an unnamed associate told the Daily Mail.
UFC 300 is expected to be the biggest MMA card of all time, with Brock Lesnar also linked with a return, and Rousey headlining would certainly excite fans of the sport.
