Ronda Rousey Shuts Down MMA Return Speculation
Ronda Rousey has decisively put an end to any rumors about her potential return to mixed martial arts. In candid revelations, the former UFC star cited irreversible neurological damage as the primary reason for her permanent departure from the sport.
Rousey, who left MMA in 2016, recently shared the stark realities behind her early exit. "It's nice to feel missed, I guess. But it's not happening. I'm not neurologically fit to compete anymore at the highest level. I just can't. You just get to a level where the neurological injuries you take accumulate over time. They don't get better," Rousey revealed.
Her career, marked by a meteoric rise from the regional scene to becoming a mainstay in Strikeforce and the UFC, was nothing short of spectacular. Rousey rapidly climbed the ranks, becoming a household name and a mainstream star. Her influence was so profound that she convinced UFC President Dana White to reconsider his stance on women's participation in the UFC.
However, the harsh reality of her situation began to surface after back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. "I got to a point where I couldn't take a jab without getting dazed, without getting concussion symptoms. It just got to a point where it wasn't safe for me to fight anymore. I just couldn't continue to fight at that higher level," Rousey explained.
Rousey's battle with concussions started much earlier than most people realize. "I started dealing with it at six years old. I started getting concussions much earlier on in swimming. Two kids doing a backstroke in the other direction crack heads or hit the wall doing the backstroke. I started doing judo at a young age and kept getting concussions regularly and multiple times a year and not being allowed to speak up or say anything about it," she said.
These early injuries set a precedent for a grueling career marred by neurological challenges. By the time Rousey transitioned to MMA, the damage was extensive. "When I got into MMA, I had already had dozens of concussions that I trained through. Like, not even stopped for. So that was about a decade of having concussion symptoms more often than not. So when I got into MMA, I was playing a game of zero errors. Then it got to the point where I was fighting more often than anybody. I had more outside of fighting responsibilities than anybody, and it just got to be lighter and lighter hits were hurting me more and more and more," she recounted.
Rousey’s decision to speak openly about her neurological issues brings critical discourse to the forefront regarding athlete health and safety in contact sports. Her story underlines the invisible battles many athletes face and the culture of silence that often surrounds neurological decline in these sports. "As a fighter, you're not supposed to show any weakness or talk about things like that or the inevitable neurological decline that comes with taking headshots. A lot of people talk about it as if it's making excuses or weakness," she noted.
As a former Olympic bronze medalist and one of the most significant figures in women's fighting, Rousey's insights carry substantial weight. Her contributions have significantly raised the profile of women in MMA. However, her revelations also underscore the need for better concussion management and support systems in contact sports.
The discussion ignited by Rousey's experiences is a vital step toward acknowledging and addressing the long-term health risks athletes face. Her decision to retire and her openness about her struggles are a powerful testament to the importance of athlete well-being over competitive accolades.
Rousey’s unequivocal stance on not returning to the octagon marks an end to an era while also opening up necessary conversations about the unseen toll of professional sports. Her courage in sharing her story not only solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer in MMA but also as an advocate for athlete health and safety. As she steps away from the spotlight, her voice continues to echo in the ongoing discussion about the future of contact sports and the imperative need for better protective measures for athletes.