Former UFC and WWE champion Ronda Rousey recently made headlines with an interview on YouYube where she discussed her career in MMA and WWE. During the 80-minute interview, Rousey revealed that she believes she was concussed heading into her first professional loss against Holly Holm in 2015, which she attributes to slipping down the stairs. She also cited a “bad mouth guard” as a factor that led to her defeat in that fight. Rousey admitted to feeling resentment towards fans who turned on her after the loss.
Rousey, who is currently promoting her new book “Our Fight,” also spoke about her time in WWE, describing it as an “absolute s### show.” She retired from MMA at the age of 29, citing a history of concussions as the reason for her decision. The response to Rousey’s comments has been strong, with many in the MMA community weighing in on social media. Some, like USA Today’s Ben Fowlkes, expressed their opinions on how Rousey handled her losses compared to other champions like Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes.
Social media data strategist from ListenFirst analyzed the engagement and sentiment of posts that responded to the Rousey interview. From April 2 to April 3, Rousey was mentioned 4,992 times on Twitter, generating 8.1 million public impressions from 3,500 unique profiles. The data showed that 35% of the responses were negative, 38% were mixed or neutral, and only 27% were positive. Users expressed a variety of feelings towards Rousey’s claims, with some defending her achievements in combat sports while others were skeptical of her statements.
Many users took issue with Rousey’s claim of being “the greatest fighter that has ever lived,” with some referencing her career in WWE in contesting that claim. While Rousey made significant contributions to women’s MMA and combat sports as a whole, some critics pointed to her inability to accept defeat and criticism as a detriment to her legacy. Despite the mixed response to her interview, Rousey’s impact as a pioneer in women’s combat sports is undeniable.
Rousey’s interview sparked a conversation in the MMA community, with many discussing her remarks on concussions, her losses, and her time in WWE. The interview brought attention to Rousey’s career and the impact she has had on the sport. As a polarizing figure in combat sports, Rousey continues to generate buzz and spark debate among fans and analysts alike. Her legacy, while complex, remains significant in the realm of women’s MMA and wrestling.
