Former UFC and WWE star Ronda Rousey has sparked controversy with her recent remarks, drawing sharp criticism from one of the organization’s former broadcasters.
In a series of interviews aimed at promoting her latest book ‘Our Fight’, Rousey talked about her past losses against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. During these media appearances, she attributed her defeats to lingering concussion issues.
However, Rousey didn’t stop there. In a recent conversation with Chris Cuomo, she took aim at Joe Rogan and the broader MMA media. She also expressed her disappointment in their response to her struggles. Rousey lamented the rapid shift in attitude among individuals she once considered allies in the industry.
Rousey stated: “It was really disappointing to see how happily everybody turned on me and how people like Joe Rogan, who were crying in the ring about the honor of being able to call my fights, people I considered friends in the media so quickly turned on me.”
“The MMA media hates me; it’s fine. Not a single person has called me or anything like that. They’ve all just doubled down and said that I’m making excuses, lying, blowing things out of proportion, or not giving credit where it’s due. No, I have not. I’ll be waiting for that call forever.”
Former UFC commentator Jimmy Smith didn’t mince words in response to Rousey’s remarks. He vehemently criticized her, shedding light on the negative experiences of individuals working behind the scenes. According to Smith, Rousey’s behavior towards production staff was far from exemplary. There have been reports of mistreatment and disrespect circulating within the organization.
Smith stated: “She never gives credit to the people who actually beat her. The idea that ‘I left MMA and went to the WWE because I had concussion problems’ makes no sense. Let me let you in on something. Ronda, if you’re listening: the people behind the scenes; camera people, audio people, the people you can push around, and the people you can bully, talk down to. Can’t stand your f— a–…”
“Everybody behind the scenes that had to put a mic on Ronda Rousey couldn’t stand her. I said why? They said ‘She was a b—- to us from the moment she sat down, to the moment she got up’. Like it’s our fault that she has to do this interview…and she’s miserable, mean, and ‘we can’t stand her’. They were cheering when she got knocked out, that’s what I was told.”
Smith’s commentary highlighted a less favorable perspective on Rousey’s interactions within the UFC. He revealed accounts of discontent among crew members, who allegedly endured mistreatment from the former champion. Such revelations provide a contrasting narrative to Rousey’s portrayal of herself as a victim of media backlash.
Smith went on to say: “Those are the people you can be mean to and rude to, and they can’t fight back. Those people couldn’t stand Ronda Rousey, so don’t sit here and tell me that you’re the victim. The poor guy sitting behind the camera is doing his job, gets s—on by you or you’re mean to the person asking you questions when we’re hyping your fight, don’t give me this victim s—. Don’t, don’t waste my time with that.”