The world of mixed martial arts was in shock when ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey suffered a devastating defeat at the hands (or rather feet) of Holly Holm at UFC 193. It was a moment that shook the very foundations of the sport and left many questioning Rousey’s status as the greatest of all time. And now, with the recent Joe Rogan controversy, the discussion has been reignited once again.
It was back in 2015, before the highly anticipated fight between Rousey and Holm, when UFC commentator Joe Rogan made the statement that “Once in a lifetime doesn’t apply to Ronda Rousey. It’s once ever in human history.” It was a bold statement, but at the time, it seemed justified. Rousey had dominated the women’s bantamweight division, racking up impressive wins and earning the title of the UFC’s first women’s champion. Her combination of striking and grappling skills was unmatched and she seemed to be untouchable.
But as we all know, the fight with Holm did not go as planned for Rousey. The Preacher’s Daughter shocked the world by knocking out Rousey with a head kick in the second round. It was a moment that will forever be etched in the history of the sport and it shattered the myth of Rousey’s invincibility. And while Rogan’s statement may have seemed accurate at the time, it definitely did not age well.
Fast forward to 2021 and the debate about Rousey’s status as the GOAT (greatest of all time) has been reignited. This time, it was former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen who threw fuel into the fire with his comments on the Joe Rogan controversy. Sonnen, known for his trash-talking and controversial statements, did not hold back in his criticism of Rousey’s achievements.
In a recent interview, Sonnen stated, “Ronda Rousey couldn’t beat Holly Holm. She couldn’t beat Amanda Nunes. She couldn’t beat Miesha Tate. She couldn’t beat Cat Zingano. She couldn’t even beat Liz Carmouche.” He went on to say, “She never beat a legitimate fighter.”
These statements may seem harsh, but Sonnen does bring up a valid point. Rousey’s loss to Holm was not an isolated incident. In fact, she had suffered a similar fate at the hands of Amanda Nunes in her comeback fight in 2016. And while she may have dominated the women’s bantamweight division, her competition was not as strong as it is today. Names like Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili may not have been on the scene during Rousey’s reign, but they are now considered the top fighters in the women’s divisions.
But does this mean that Rousey is not the GOAT? It’s a question that has been debated for years and it ultimately comes down to personal opinion. Yes, Rousey may have lost to some of the best fighters in the world, but she still holds impressive records and achievements. She was the first woman to sign with the UFC, to win a UFC title, and to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. She also paved the way for female fighters and helped bring the sport to new heights of popularity.
Moreover, Rousey’s impact goes beyond just her achievements in the octagon. She was a cultural phenomenon, breaking barriers and inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams in the world of combat sports. Her star power and charisma helped bring the UFC to mainstream audiences and she will forever be remembered as one of the biggest names in the sport.
In the end, no one can deny Rousey’s contributions to the sport and her place in history. But as the sport continues to evolve and new stars emerge, the debate about the GOAT will always be open for discussion. What cannot be denied, however, is the impact that Rousey had on the sport and her status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.
So, while Joe Rogan’s statement about Ronda Rousey may not have stood the test of time, one thing is for sure – she will always be remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime talent who left an indelible mark on the world of mixed martial arts. And as for Chael Son
