Ronda Rousey, once the face of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA) and a former UFC champion, has recently opened up about why she no longer attends UFC events. In a candid statement, Rousey expressed her feelings of being “vilified” by the MMA media, a sentiment that has significantly impacted her decision to stay away from the sport’s arenas.
Rousey’s meteoric rise in the UFC was matched by an equally dramatic fall, with her losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes marking the end of her undefeated streak and, eventually, her MMA career. These defeats, coupled with intense media scrutiny, contributed to Rousey’s decision to step away from the spotlight. Despite her significant contributions to the sport, Rousey feels that the MMA media has unfairly targeted her, portraying her in a negative light that overshadows her achievements.
“I’m pretty sure if I walked into the arena I’d be boo’d,” Rousey remarked, highlighting the lingering animosity she perceives from fans and critics alike. This fear of public rejection has kept her from attending UFC events, where she once reigned supreme. The stark contrast between the adoration she once received and the potential hostility she now fears underscores the complex relationship between athletes and the media.
Rousey’s experience sheds light on the broader issue of how public figures are treated after their fall from grace. The media’s role in shaping public perception can have lasting effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. For Rousey, who has since transitioned to a successful career in professional wrestling with WWE and other ventures, the scars from her MMA days remain.
Her decision to stay away from UFC events is a poignant reminder of the personal toll that public life can take on athletes. While fans may remember Rousey for her dominance in the octagon, her reluctance to return to that environment speaks volumes about the challenges of coping with public scrutiny and the desire to protect one’s mental health.
As Ronda Rousey continues to build her legacy outside of MMA, her story serves as an important narrative about resilience and the impact of media on athletes’ lives. Her contributions to women’s sports remain significant, and her honesty about her struggles provides a valuable perspective on the realities faced by public figures.
