Ronda Rousey, once a towering figure in the UFC, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the sport. Yet, since her final bout in 2016, her public image has taken a tumultuous turn, leaving many fans and observers perplexed. But here's where it gets controversial... While Rousey’s recent outbursts against fans and media have sparked debate, UFC legend Matt Brown offers a nuanced perspective that challenges her narrative. And this is the part most people miss: Brown suggests that Rousey’s struggles may stem from unresolved emotions tied to her career’s abrupt end, rather than genuine fan betrayal.
In a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer, Brown delved into Rousey’s psyche, acknowledging her champion’s mentality while highlighting its unintended consequences. He noted, ‘She has the mentality of a champion… but she’s not competing anymore.’ Brown empathizes with Rousey’s competitive drive but questions whether her inability to let go of past losses is hindering her personal growth. He even goes as far as suggesting she ‘go meditate or do a yoga retreat’ to find peace—a stark contrast to her combative public persona.
But here’s the kicker: Brown doesn’t shy away from pointing out that Rousey’s own actions are alienating the very fans who once adored her. ‘People don’t hate you,’ he insists, ‘we want to love her so bad.’ Yet, her recent comments, including her critique of Joe Rogan, seem to only deepen the divide. Rousey’s claim that Rogan is ‘a fan with an audience’ rather than an expert has sparked heated debate. While Brown partially understands her perspective—Rogan never fought professionally—he argues that decades of commentary and martial arts training give Rogan a ‘very educated opinion.’
And this is where it gets even more contentious... Brown questions Rousey’s strategy, suggesting that attacking Rogan, one of the most influential figures in combat sports, is a misstep. ‘You don’t want to turn his crowd away,’ he warns. But Rousey’s frustration seems rooted in her unprocessed losses, particularly her knockout defeats to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Brown speculates that she’s still ‘stuck in that moment’ of trauma, unable to move forward.
What’s truly thought-provoking is Brown’s assertion that Rousey’s bitterness is overshadowing her legacy. ‘Right now, what people are going to remember is that you’re a fcking sore loser,’* he bluntly states. This raises a critical question: Is Rousey’s inability to accept defeat a personal tragedy, or a reflection of the unforgiving nature of sports fandom?
Here’s the million-dollar question: Could Rousey have been an even bigger star post-UFC if she had handled her losses differently? Brown believes so, envisioning her dominating movies, podcasts, or even WWE with her charisma and eloquence. Instead, her ‘ridiculous’ comments are, in his words, ‘shooting herself in the foot.’
So, what do you think? Is Ronda Rousey a victim of her own unprocessed emotions, or is she rightfully calling out the fickle nature of fan loyalty? And does Joe Rogan’s lack of fighting experience diminish his expertise, or does his immersion in the sport validate his insights? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—agree or disagree, your voice matters!
