Ronda Rousey
About
The pioneer who put women's MMA on the map - the first UFC women's champion and a global crossover icon.
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Ronda Rousey is the most important figure in the history of women's MMA, the fighter who forced the UFC to open its doors to women and then dominated as the first women's bantamweight champion. An Olympic judo bronze medalist, she finished nearly everyone she faced with explosive throws and a fight-ending armbar, often in seconds, and became a genuine crossover icon.
Her aura ended abruptly with a stunning head-kick knockout loss to Holly Holm in 2015 and a one-sided defeat to Amanda Nunes, after which she left for a successful pro-wrestling career. Polarizing at her peak for her brashness and prickly sportsmanship, Rousey is nonetheless a Hall of Famer whose impact on the sport is permanent.
Why fans love Rousey
She broke down the door for women's MMA and dominated like no one before her, a true pioneer and crossover star.
Why some fans hate Rousey
At her peak her brash confidence and refusal to show sportsmanship - declining to touch gloves or shake hands - turned some fans against her.
