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In a candid and surprising revelation, former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has shared the personal reasons behind her decision to never attend a UFC fight following her two career-defining losses. In an exclusive interview, Rousey opened up about the emotional and psychological impact these defeats had on her, and how they influenced her post-fighting life.
“It wasn’t just about losing the fights,” Rousey explained. “For me, it was the end of a chapter that defined who I was for so long. The octagon was my sanctuary, and experiencing such public defeats shattered the image I had of myself. It was like losing a part of my identity.”
Rousey lost her undefeated streak to Holly Holm in 2015, followed by a devastating loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016. These fights not only marked the end of her UFC career but also led her to reevaluate her future and mental well-being.
“I needed time to heal, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally,” she continued. “The pressure and scrutiny that came with those losses were immense. I felt that attending UFC events would bring back memories and emotions that I wasn’t ready to face. I wanted to protect my peace.”
Rousey has since focused on her WWE career and other ventures, including acting and raising her family. Despite stepping away from the UFC scene, she remains grateful for the support from her fans and the lessons learned during her fighting career.
“UFC will always be a part of my history, but I had to move forward for my own health and happiness,” she said. “I’m proud of what I achieved, and I respect the sport and its fighters, but I needed to find my own path away from the octagon.”
This rare glimpse into Rousey’s thoughts provides a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by professional athletes dealing with the aftermath of high-profile defeats and the importance of mental health in sports.