Ronda Rousey Brain Injury: Shocking Truth Behind UFC 193 Loss

Analysis

UFC

April 4th, 2024

Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist judoka turned UFC champion, was once considered the undisputed queen of women's mixed martial arts (MMA). With a record-breaking six title defenses in the UFC Women's Bantamweight division and the fastest finish in a UFC championship fight at a staggering 14 seconds, Rousey's dominance seemed unshakeable. However, her shocking defeat at UFC 193 against Holly Holm left many fans bewildered. Ronda Rousey recently revealed the truth, a brain injury that sustained the fight.

Ronda Rousey And Her Pre-Fight Brain Injury

For years, the reason behind Rousey's lackluster performance remained a mystery. But recently, in an interview with Valeria Lipovetsky, Ronda Rousey revealed a shocking truth, a brain injury sustained before the fight.

Ronda Rousey says she was concussed going into the Holly Holm fight at UFC 193.

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— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 3, 2024

Rousey admitted to entering the octagon already concussed, having suffered a fall down some stairs. This, coupled with a "terrible weight cut" that depletes the brain's protective fluid, significantly impaired her cognitive abilities. "I couldn't think as fast," she confessed, "I couldn't judge distance." This compromised condition undoubtedly played a major role in her devastating loss.

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Day 12 of 26

Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm (15-6)

Holly Holm is the former women’s bantamweight champion and is most famously known for her “head-kick heard around the world” when she notoriously finished Ronda Rousey in 2015.

She was a… pic.twitter.com/02GBIGbINr
— What A Bet (@What_a_Bets) March 30, 2024

Despite her success transitioning to WWE, Rousey still grapples with the aftermath of UFC 193. The public's sudden rejection following the defeat left a deep emotional scar. "I know that I'm the greatest fighter that has ever lived," she stated, her pride evident. However, the perception of her as a "fraud" after the loss due to factors beyond her control caused immense hurt.

Rousey expressed a deep sense of resentment towards the fans who turned on her. Having dedicated her all to the sport, the lack of understanding was a heavy blow. This experience ultimately led her to walk away from a community that had once celebrated her achievements.

Ronda Rousey's story serves as a stark reminder of the unseen struggles athletes face. Beyond the physical demands of competition, mental and neurological factors can significantly impact performance. Her journey also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding towards athletes who experience setbacks, especially when caused by unforeseen circumstances.

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Image credit of MMA Fighting