Ronda Rousey fears getting booed by UFC fans so much, she’s never gone to an event

Adam Miller

Ten years ago, Ronda Rousey was a one of the top figures in Mixed Martial Arts and a significant pop culture icon. But today, her once-dominant presence feels more like a distant memory.

Following her high-profile losses to Holly Holm in 2015 and Amanda Nunes in 2016, Rousey retreated from the public eye. She resurfaced later with notable stints in WWE from 2018 to 2019 and again from 2022 to 2023.

Throughout her time away from the UFC and during her WWE career, Rousey’s public image suffered. Fans and critics alike often criticized her, contributing to a tarnished reputation.

Rousey recently appeared on the High Performance Podcast, where she addressed the negative press surrounding her. She placed the blame squarely on MMA media, accusing them of misrepresenting her career and persona.

Rousey stated: “They are the ones saying it, that I was a fraud, and I was hype, and I was exposed, and I was never anything and just lucky, and all of these things. And that I wasn’t gracious or a good loser, or, you know, every other thing.”

Feeling vilified by the MMA media, Rousey believes she is no longer welcome in the UFC arena. She continued: “I feel like I’m really vilified by MMA media at this point and I’m not really welcomed back, which is why I haven’t gone to a UFC fight since — because I’m pretty sure if I walked into an arena, I’d be booed.”

In her recent book ‘Our Fight: A Memoir’ Rousey opens up about her departure from MMA and her tenure in WWE. She reveals that a history of concussions primarily from her time as a judoka, played a significant role in her decision to retire. Rousey states that discussing her concussion history during her UFC and WWE careers could have jeopardized her professional opportunities.

Rousey doesn’t hold back in her book, also criticizing former WWE CEO Vince McMahon. She highlights the attitudes and actions that eventually led to McMahon’s resignation from the TKO board earlier this year.

Despite winning multiple WWE championships, Rousey’s run in the wrestling world was marked by mixed reactions from the audience. Ringside News reported that the UFC Hall of Famer often took fan reactions to heart, affecting her overall experience.

Adam Miller

Adam Miller is a talented writer with a passion for the UFC. As a UFC writer for Calfkicker, he's found a way to combine his love for the sport with his gift for words. With a diploma in journalism and mass communication, Adam has a deep understanding of how to craft compelling content that resonates with readers.

Before finding his niche in the world of UFC writing, Adam worked as a freelance link builder and content writer. His diverse range of clients and businesses allowed him to hone his craft and develop a unique perspective that sets him apart from other writers in the field.