It was the return that everyone was waiting for – and the outcome that no one expected.
When Ronda Rousey stepped into the ring after a year of intensive training to prepare for her UFC 207 comeback, fans of the sport – and the legendary female athlete – watched as the young Brazilian fighter, Nunes, took her out in 48 seconds flat.
While we’ve heard from the victorious Nunes, who said ‘I’m the champion and I’m here to stay’, Ronda has stayed silent on the loss.
…Until now. Rousey released a statement to ESPN, saying:
I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.
Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes — even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly — it doesn’t work how you planned.
I take pride in seeing how far the women’s division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda. I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding.
The 29-year-old worked relentlessly to mount a comeback after suffering an embarrassing second-round knockout by Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015.
Amid speculation that Rousey may retire, we all are resigned to waiting to see what Ronda will do next.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.