All of those who have criticized Ronda for taking a loss so to heart, for not just 'shrugging it off' don't understand that what made Ronda so successful is that she cares DEEPLY about winning to an extent that I don't believe the average person can wrap his/her head around.
Caring deeply about something and working your hardest to achieve it doesn't mean you make the right decisions 100% of the time. Wouldn't it be a nicer world if it did?
Those of you who want to criticize Ronda, I just want to point out a few things. First of all, I know her better than you and she is a smart, kind, talented, generous, hard-working person.
Second, I'd like to list some of her accomplishments, and note that she isn't yet 30 years old.
- Junior World Judo Champion
- Panamerican Games Judo Gold Medalist
- First American woman in a decade to win a world cup in judo (and then she went on to win several more)
- U.S. Open Gold Medalist
- World Judo Championships Silver Medalist
- Olympic Bronze Medalist
- U.S. Senior National Champion
- First UFC World Champion
- First woman to make a million dollars in martial arts
- Co-authored sports book of the year - My Fight/ Your Fight
- Acted in three movies
That's just a partial list, but let me suggest that someone who has been world level athlete in two sports, written a best seller, acted in movies and made millions of dollars, all before the age of 30 has a pretty darn good track record. On top of that, Ronda has been part of the USADA drug testing since she was 16 years old, never failed a drug test, always paid her taxes, never been arrested, never been to rehab, has zero divorces, zero DUIs and zero children. While you might think that is to be expected, look how many celebrities (heck, look how many of your neighbors) can say that.
I am very proud of my daughter.
As my other wonderful daughter, Maria, told her ,
"We love you just as much 10 minutes after every fight as we did in the 10 minutes before."Edit: Since so many people asked me "What do you mean zero children? Children aren't a bad thing." I agree. I have four. I meant that she did not have children before she was able and willing to raise them.
407 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 407 Newer› Newest»Ronda is my Daughter's Idol. We know Ronda is a hard worker and nothing has been handed to her. She worked hard for all that she has earned. A true Champion on and off the mat. Tell her to never give up. It is important to those looking up to her.
Arrogant in victory and absent in defeat. That is my only issue with Ronda.
Those without athletic children have a hard time understanding the mental pain that can be worse than the physical pain they go through after a loss. Ronda is a beautiful person inside and out. I hope she doesn't take the loss too hard. She has so much to share in this life with or without the physical fight. God bless from one athlete mom to another.
I'm not a Ronda fan but I hate to see how much pleasure is being taken in her times of hardship.
Social media is a huge problem it allows for individuals to bully and diminish accomplishments of others. 9/10 it's likely these people are sad individuals with no lives and thrive off the failures of others.
Go and see if you can achieve a 10th of what Ronda accomplished.
Having watched the fight all I can see is from that first hit Ronda took her face resembled the same expression as the Holly fight. Ronda was a ghost of herself even in some interviews it felt she was quite fragile which is heartbreaking to see from when she was exuding and oozing confidence.
Something has gone wrong on a psychological level and maybe combat sports isn't the right place for her right now. I find it shameful that the UFC and its owners promoted this fight and didn't talk her in to taking a easy fight first to build her confidence back.
Anyone who's been involved in combat sports understands that the severe ko she suffered would change any fighter no fighters have ever come back the same.
In pro boxing fighters will come back after a ko in a tune up bout.
There's so many issues with what happened and if Ronda is to continue which I don't think she should, she would need a new team behind her to rebuild her skill sets particularly movement stance and striking department.
All in all I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and the best in what ever she plans to do in future.
All the women in the UFC making money should be thankful for Ronda's exposure in the sport without her they wouldn't be there.
She's a pioneer...
I'm not a Ronda fan but I hate to see how much pleasure is being taken in her times of hardship.
Social media is a huge problem it allows for individuals to bully and diminish accomplishments of others. 9/10 it's likely these people are sad individuals with no lives and thrive off the failures of others.
Go and see if you can achieve a 10th of what Ronda accomplished.
Having watched the fight all I can see is from that first hit Ronda took her face resembled the same expression as the Holly fight. Ronda was a ghost of herself even in some interviews it felt she was quite fragile which is heartbreaking to see from when she was exuding and oozing confidence.
Something has gone wrong on a psychological level and maybe combat sports isn't the right place for her right now. I find it shameful that the UFC and its owners promoted this fight and didn't talk her in to taking a easy fight first to build her confidence back.
Anyone who's been involved in combat sports understands that the severe ko she suffered would change any fighter no fighters have ever come back the same.
In pro boxing fighters will come back after a ko in a tune up bout.
There's so many issues with what happened and if Ronda is to continue which I don't think she should, she would need a new team behind her to rebuild her skill sets particularly movement stance and striking department.
All in all I wish your daughter a speedy recovery and the best in what ever she plans to do in future.
All the women in the UFC making money should be thankful for Ronda's exposure in the sport without her they wouldn't be there.
She's a pioneer...
To the numerous people who are so offended by the children comment...
You are missing the point and making this about yourself. The truth is that many people have children for the wrong reasons. Raising children, for all the joy it brings, is difficult. I have two and had them young. I love them very much and wouldn't change anything, but that doesn't mean it was wise to have when I did.
The comment about abortions is wildly inappropriate. Not having children does not automatically mean someone had an abortion. Unfortunately, we have come to expect this type of unwarranted attack when people who know nothing about discipline type into the "Leave your comment" box.
Beautifully stated!
I think Ronda's ego got too inflated by all the mega-hype she got. I can understand being upset about losing, but if it makes you feel suicidal that means you were out of balance. Instead of admitting her mistakes and giving credit to Holm for beating her, she said she was still undefeated.
Maybe Ronda has been so good throughout her life that she's never had to learn to deal with defeat. And now it looks like her MMA career is over because of it.
I read Jonathan Snowden's article on Bleacherreport:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2684160-is-ronda-rousey-broken-or-ready-to-roar-back-her-past-may-offer-some-clues
"For months, she would stare longingly at Edmond Tarverdyan as he trained other, lesser fighters. It's unclear, even as she tells the story in her autobiography, My Fight/Your Fight, why exactly that was.But this man, the alpha dog in his own tiny yard, wanted no part of working with her. And that drove Rousey toward him, not away, much to the chagrin of her outspoken mother."He is extremely disrespectful to women," De Mars told Pro MMA Now's Dr. Rhadi Ferguson in 2015. "When she walked into his gym she had been a junior world gold medalist, Olympic medalist, world medalist in judo and he didn't give her the time of day."And he has had that exact same pattern with many women in the gym and I have seen it with my own eyes where they train there and it's basically a waste of their time. And they're talked to in a way that just makes my jaw drop."Frincu, a keen student of psychology, believes it was Tarverdyan's disinterest, feigned or not, that attracted Rousey to him."He may not even know he does it," Frincu says. "Maybe it's cultural. Maybe that's who he is and that's how he treats women. It just happens that the worst thing that could happen to her is pairing up with that guy."She associates guilt and emotional blackmail and all this poison with love. That is love to her. To show anything different than that—to show respect, to treat her like a professional and a human being—that's foreign to her." "
And! it made me think what the confounded variable could be. I think there is a possibility that the "tough love" RR received growing up, where the intent was one of love to ensure RR made the best of what was given to her, to maximize her ability to carve up her space in the world, made a perverted twist at Edmond's training facility, where his incompetence and erratic behavior at some superficial level resembles that of "tough love", which in turn inflates his own sense of entitlement, while serving for RR in a twisted sense as a "familiar setting".
Since RR is quiet able to carve up her space in the world, the choices before her are her and hers alone to make. She made an impact, and her impact hastened the arrival for womens MMA in the premier organisation. There are plenty of things to improve on, plenty of habits to embrace, and habits to shred, friends to make bad unmake, endeavors to get involved in etc etc. This applies for everyone, and RR's unique competitive mindset is both a burden and a blessing. A burden if not managed well and a blessing if managed well. The defeat suffered at the hands of Amanda Nunes, clearly the better fighter also have a dualistic quality, which can serve as a blessing or as a curse.
Ronda is completely delusional trying to box when she doesn't even know how to throw a proper jab maybe her ego and pride are too strong for her own self awarness and that's over the curse of two fights in a row, so if she is so good at judo and subs why she didn't sticked to that?
All the best to you and your family
Well said, and offered in love and because of love.
No question Rhonda is world class. As an athlete and professional, she's arisen to a pinnacle that only 1% of 1% can even remotely understand, much less achieve.
I wish her and your family health, happiness, and a long life of continued positive contributions. She has her entire life in front of her to make the world a better place, and we'll be cheering her all the way.
Regards,
Neil Reid, Dallas, TX.
One more quick comment- how many of us would thrive at work if everything we did was on every sports and news channel, and every social media outlet around the world? To simply walk down the street is a news event to those who sell advertising for a living. That is incredible and unrelenting pressure that few of us could endure.
Wishing Rhonda the Best-
Neil Reid, Dallas.
Love your comments and perspective Dr AnnMaria. In fact I always have. You always talk great sense. Thank you for sharing and commenting. Ronda is blessed to have you. Mum knows best.
As you say her list of achievements are phenomenally impressive all before the age of 30. Wow!
It is tough when you give your best but get slammed for the Ippon or TKO but as every judo player knows you learn more from the fights that you lose than from the fights that you win. I can't stand the haters and arm chair critics who haven't done the half your daughter has done. It is a lonely place to be on the judo mat or in the octagon - you have your own thoughts and demons to deal with you don't need all the critics to add to your voices in your head - which is probably what Ronda thought when she decided to go silent to take care of business. Thank you Dr AnnMaria for filling the silence with something positive and constructive
I would love Ronda to come back for a fairy tale ending but she didn't and she doesn't need to. She has done incredibly well in her short career. Time to take stock and decide what is important to her whilst she had her good looks and senses intact. Too many more punches or kicks to the head even if she wins in the future isn't going to do her any long term good.
Please give her our best.
The most important thing now is the legacy she leaves behind and the greater good she can do going further.
If she listens carefully to you and takes your sound advice I am sure she will make the right decision.
Best wishes to you all - a judo fan from the UK.
Mother/daughter love! Amazing. God bless your family.
Like many others have said, Ronda inspired me to change my life. In February 2013, I was thirty pounds overweight. After watching the my first UFC fight vs Carmouche, and almost 20 years her elder, I decided to take my life back, and get healthy. I started seeing a personal trainer, and Ronda's training vids gave me something to aspire to. Three years later, I am on weight and an athlete and able to get out and live my life with a level of confidence I never had before. Thank you, Ronda! I have so much respect and admiration for both Ronda, and you, AnnMaria. Thank you for being outspoken and showing the world that women can change it for the better. All the best. Sending the family all the best wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year.
I for one will continue to stand behind and support Ronda wherever the next venture in life takes her! Shes always going to be an amazing woman in my books! Daddy always said if you dont have some haters in life then you aint doin it right! Mind over matter Ronda!! Those that matter dont mind!! And those that mind dont matter!! Love & respect always!! Keep your head up and your heart strong!!
Her hype is not ending- it is being redirected.... she has purpose for where she is. She inspires a "work harder" attitude, and has crushed her biggest opponent early on- that a woman should not be what she has grown to be... and that it is not only ok- but beautiful to be strong..... she crushed that for my mom, for me and my 3 year old daughter. When she starts to doubt her purpose... show her this... she trailblazed and that is what the world needed...... and we need her to continue the trail... continue the fight.... the octagon is just a platform... she has built her own stage now.
Thank you for everything Ronda. Thank you to you for being an inspiration, a pioneer and for showing me the passion you have in this life. You truly are and will always be someone I appreciate, my sister in Christ and the best in the world at being you and that's all that matters!
Totally agree with your post. Ronda is an exemplar of hard work and integrity. Great to see that she has such a loving and supportive family.
Totally agree with your post. Ronda is an exemplar of hard work and integrity. Great to see that she has such a loving and supportive family.
Even the best fall down sometime. Regardless of her losses, she's a proven champion. A drive to win is great and can lead to many successes in life. But that drive can also make a loss that much more difficult. Even more so under the public spotlight.
I can imagine it being difficult for Ronda to find herself outside of her own legacy and the shadows it casts, with the pressure of being Ronda Rousey® and not just Ronda. But I hope she can find peace in her defeat and ultimately with being just Ronda. Just Ronda is still a very successful, talented, and beautiful woman.
Ronda's to do list after ufc 207, 1.) Have her mom at the fights and by her side no matter what, Ronda's psyche needs to build back up by taking warm up fights that she can win in order to rebuild her confidence. 2.) Drop Edmond like a bad habit! Edmond aint got no business training Ronda!! He NEVER DID! Ronda Please go train with A REAL MMA COACH. 3.) Always stick to what you know Ronda Like your unstoppable ARMBARS!!! PLEASE BRING IT BACK, I HONESTLY THOUGHT YOU WOULD FOR UFC 207. FOR ONCE I WAS WRONG ABOUT PREDICTING YOUR FIGHT..I HAVE BEEN SPOT ON ABOUT THE TIME. DON'T GIVE UP YOU STILL HAVE A LOT OF FIGHT LEFT IN YOU. RETIRE WHEN YOU GET THAT BELT BACK, BUT DO IT BY CLIMBING UP THE MOUNTAIN.
WIN OR LOSE I WILL STAND BY YOU RONDA!! YOU INSPIRE ME TO DO ARMBARS IN MY JIU JITSU GYM ALL THE TIME...SO PLEASE BRING BACK YOUR AMAZING ARMBAR! GO TRAIN AT A DIFFERENT GYM, AND GET YOUR MOM BACK IN YOUR LIFE! I LOVE YOU RONDA YOUR BIGGEST FAN FRANCESCA
Ronda is and always will be a champion in the eyes of those who love her! It breaks my heart to see her hang her head because she should not have to feel that way, but like her mother said Ronda just cares so deeply and she is entitled to feel any way that she wants. Ronda has done so many things and created so many opportunities for women, not just in the UFC, but in many different areas. Women can now feel stronger and more confident because of Ronda. I hope she focuses on her accomplishments and her amazing future and never looks back because she has already done what so many others could not or did not have the courage to do. I hope we see her out and about living her life the way she wants to live it. I cannot wait to see what is next for Ronda as I'm sure her future is wide open. Much love, respect, and honor to you Ronda!
I have immense respect for what she's done. But I would like to stop talking about her too. This is sort of the format of competitive sports (at least it is in mma): you don't just run & hide when you're upset. Can you imagine if everyone did THAT, Dr Ann Maria?! In all likelihood, the sport would not exist.
Ronda has a responsibility to herself- and her legacy, for that matter- by standing in, congratulating her opponent and, in the process, diffusing all the pre-fight speculation and promo. She's not escaping anything by walking away. Now it will just trail her indefinitely. Maybe it will be lessen with time (or maybe it won't?) but all of her career decisions will be colored by her unfortunate behavior in the wake of a loss.
You can talk about her being 'competitive'- this is not that. This is next level. This is beyond the line, as any parent or coach would attest. We live in the real world here, where you don't wear your "game face" into retirement. For her to believe this is expected of her (much less her FANS to be demanding it of her) is purely delusional.
The most unfortunate aspect to this, in my opinion, is how she is threatening the very foundation she worked so hard to lay. She is a better person than that, she is a top-level athlete whose accomplishments speak for themselves and demand respect. I've been following mixed martial arts since inception: she will have only herself to blame if her many titles become overshadowed by the repugnant fashion in which she exited.
Awesome words
Thanks for sharing your view point. Your daughter has a true Warrior spirit and is an enduring Champion. In my humble opinion, personally and professionally, she needs to remove her coach from her life in order to move forward.
She deserves the best in life and please let her know that there's a lot of people rooting for her in wherever her heart takes her.
Respectfully,
Army Sergeant Iraqi War Female Veteran
No matter what happened tonight; Ronda is still #1. She is a legend, and she will continue to leave foot prints on which ever path she decides to take. She is the reason why womens UFC exists. Today wasn't her night, and who knows if she will continue to fight. But, like I said, she has much more to give. A legend never dies. She has many fans that look up to her. She's a role model and leader. Don't look down Ronda, you will never disappoint your true fans. You can't always be the best at everything. #RowdyRondaRouseyForEver
Rhonda is the epitome of a true champion. I hear people saying 'she's done, she'll never fight again', obviously those people didn't truly watch her last night. She's in the best shape of her life! Rhonda is a master on the mat, once she remembers what made her a dominating force, she'll take back her belt. She's not a boxer and her true fans don't want her to try and be one. I understand bettering yourself in an area that you don't dominate, but at the end of the day, when you go in the ring, you get low and take their asses down. That's where you came from, that's what made you who you are, that's what astounds the whole world!!!
I love this! So glad she has you as her mom. Last night after the fight I just kept thinking I hope she knows how many people love her unconditionally and wanted to give her a hug and tell her there are so many of us that support her no matter what. Please tell her there is more love for her and no one can take away what she single handily did for women. Team Ronda forever no matter what amazing things she chooses to donext!
I love Ronda, for me she is a champion and an inspiration to all women.
Very well said, Dr. Demars. By the way, loved they way you handled those post fight questions from those TMZ vultures. Ronda is special, and I can only speak for myself when I say that (for someone who has never met her and doesn't know her) I owe more to her than she will ever know. She is inspiring. Ronda (and her sister Maria) inspired me when I was going through a really difficult and low point in my life. I began reading My Fight Your Fight during this time, and was so inspired by the words on those pages that I decided to start training again after an almost 20 year hiatus from martial arts. I did a bit of research, and found a Judo based MMA dojo located not too far from me which has become my second home, and is helping me to rebuild / reinvent myself. I only speak as a random fan whose life was touched by Ronda unbeknownst to her, but my hope is for Ronda to come back from this, and get rid of Edmond. Her loyalty aside, Edmond has done nothing for Ronda's career. All those wins Ronda has are because of her own hard work, which she put in way before she went to Glendale. This is something I believe you said in the past, and who would know Ronda better than her mother? She is a Judoka and a Grappler. If today was my last day to live and I had only one wish to make before my time was up... ...I would wish for Ronda to go back to her judo/grappling roots, go back to Gokor & Gene LeBell, and take on a reputable striking coach (many have expressed public interest in training her) to supplement her ground game as she is a submission artist. I say this only as a conderned fan who doesn't want her career to end like this, but wants her to hold her head up high when she does decided to exit this sport. I hope she makes the right decision for herself. Anyway, I got off track somewhere here... I hope that Ronda heals up quickly, and doesn't disappear on us. Maybe she can get some inspiration from some of us for a change. I think we owe her that at the very least. Be well, and please tell Ronda to come back sooner rather than later...the world is a much better place with her in it. :)
Very well said, Dr. Demars. By the way, loved they way you handled those post fight questions from those TMZ vultures. Ronda is special, and I can only speak for myself when I say that (for someone who has never met her and doesn't know her) I owe more to her than she will ever know. She is inspiring. Ronda (and her sister Maria) inspired me when I was going through a really difficult and low point in my life. I began reading My Fight Your Fight during this time, and was so inspired by the words on those pages that I decided to start training again after an almost 20 year hiatus from martial arts. I did a bit of research, and found a Judo based MMA dojo located not too far from me which has become my second home, and is helping me to rebuild / reinvent myself. I only speak as a random fan whose life was touched by Ronda unbeknownst to her, but my hope is for Ronda to come back from this, and get rid of Edmond. Her loyalty aside, Edmond has done nothing for Ronda's career. All those wins Ronda has are because of her own hard work, which she put in way before she went to Glendale. This is something I believe you said in the past, and who would know Ronda better than her mother? She is a Judoka and a Grappler. If today was my last day to live and I had only one wish to make before my time was up... ...I would wish for Ronda to go back to her judo/grappling roots, go back to Gokor & Gene LeBell, and take on a reputable striking coach (many have expressed public interest in training her) to supplement her ground game as she is a submission artist. I say this only as a conderned fan who doesn't want her career to end like this, but wants her to hold her head up high when she does decided to exit this sport. I hope she makes the right decision for herself. Anyway, I got off track somewhere here... I hope that Ronda heals up quickly, and doesn't disappear on us. Maybe she can get some inspiration from some of us for a change. I think we owe her that at the very least. Be well, and please tell Ronda to come back sooner rather than later...the world is a much better place with her in it. :)
Great accomplishments! Great fighter! Win or lose we are still fans! I hope she doesnt retire. She has alot of fight left!! Regardless a champ like her there is none. From San Antonio, TX
Ronda is already a legend before 30 years old. No matter the W's or L's, no one can take her heart away and that's what makes her a champion.
Great accomplishments! Great fighter! Win or lose we are still fans! I hope she doesnt retire. She has alot of fight left!! Regardless a champ like her there is none. From San Antonio, TX
A major part of being a great champion is grace and humility in win and defeat. Ronda hasn't got it.UFC fight fans deserve a better champion
I've been a fan of Ronda for some years now. I've been watching UFC on/off for a very long time(10+years). I'm no mix martial artist but I knew good strikers would give Ronda problems because of her fighting style. That being said her coach had enough time to prepare Ronda for a fight like last nights and although Ronda is the actual fighter, her coach is suppose to be a guide to victory instead of making the same mistake twice. Like many others I feel he failed Ronda. I'm a true fan of Ronda that supports her in acting, fighting or anything that makes her happy. What really does bother me is seeing all the bad/negative really rude comments from people who don't realize it's super easy to be a spectator and it's really hard being an actual fighter. I just want to add that because of my line of work I've been able to travel to many cities in the U.S, in January I was given the opportunity to work in San Diego. My first day off I drove to L.A because I wanted to visit Venice, where my champ is from. I enjoyed my visit there I even drove to the clutch and took a picture with her mural which was surreal to me. Being from Texas I can assure anyone that Texas loves Ronda. Congratulations to you for bringing to this world an outstanding amazing human being my champ for ever Ronda Rousey!!
Well said! I think all the fair weather fans who are dissing your daughter and speaking bad of her after her losses should be ashamed of themselves because they are being nothing but disrespectful. Ronda has done more for women in this sport than anyone else. In fact, Nunes, Tate, Holm, Carmouche, and all of them have the opportunities they have in the UFC because of her. She is and forever will be a true legend!
I read Ronda's book and I have watched all her interviews and such and I understand completely why her losses hit her so hard because I understand her mindset and passion for winning that burns inside her. Unfortunately, no matter how much a person wants it or fights for it, there is always a chance they could lose, but there is no shame in that. In loss we find strength! The most important thing to me throughout all this was that she came back. Despite the crushing blow of the Holm loss and the brink of suicide as she said, she still found the strength to get up and walk back into that Octagon. To me, that was more inspiring than a win because that reflected the true fighter in her.
Watching that fight last night, of course I wanted her to win, but I was not blind to the notion that she might lose the same way Nunes might have lost, but my excitement came from the pure sight of her walking down to the Octagon again. My excitement was uncontrollable in that moment. To true fans and believers, that is what made our night. No matter what she does or where she goes from here, us loyal fans will follow and support and regardless of whatever happens to the women's divisions in UFC, the name Ronda Rousey will go down in history. Muhammad Ali is and will forever be considered a legend in his sport, may he rest in peace, and he lost five bouts and retired on losses for that matter. The same will always hold true for Ronda......a true legend for all time! Forever Team Rousey!
Well written and said. Besides we all know that its not Rondas fault, it is the hack Edmond who gave her this loss. He is a leach, ruining all of her potential. It is so sad to watch from the outside. He must be very manipulative.
Ronda most urgently needs a REAL boxing coach if she ever plans to fight again. Nunes did to her EXACTLY what Holm did, outboxed her and took the fight straight to her FACE. This is inexcusible that Ronda can't box at this stage in her fsight career. That's the fault of really poor coaching. Hell, did they even watch video of Nunes boxing? Someone failed Ms Rousey badly. I am blaming her coach. She needs to learn to BOX!!! That's how she's lost twice now. Teach her to really BOX! and how to DEFEND. She 'threw her arms open' and allowed Nunes to pummel her last night. Get this woman a real boxing coach! Otherwise she's gouing to get her face ruined over and over again.
- Still a fan.
Beautiful and so very true.
Ronda has made a powerful difference in many people's lives.
Just yesterday a 14 year old girl who knows Ronda was telling me how your daughter personally helped her.
Ronda is a true champion.
I wish you and your family the very best in all that you do.
Why didn't Ronda Rousey use her huge public presence to call attention to the situation in Venezuela? I've seen her use it for other foreign policy problems, such as the Armenian genocide. Isn't she part Venezuelan? Missed a huge opportunity to help a country in need....
I completely agree she has gotten everything she can get from him now it's time to go out and search for a new coach. Everyone teaches different styles. I know she will feel like she is letting him down their like family to her, but as family they should have her best interest at heart and be understanding if she went on to another gym. She has the drive and competitiveness to keep learning and evolving. Just let her know she has so many ppl in her corner that will always ALWAYS! Stand behind her. I admire your daughter and all she has done for this sport and woman. Can you please tell her to keep her head up and no matter what she chooses to do her true family, friends and fans will always be there to support her, ALWAYS! Much love for my champion....��������
Awesome post and so true. Ronda's accomplished a lot and now people want to make fun or to lessen what she has already achieved. I wish Ronda the best in and out of UFC. She doesn't have to prove anything to anyone.
Indeed. I'm sad she lost because I know it hurt her so much. She doesn't have to win to have my admiration. :D
Impressive resume, but you can still have the heart/motivation of a champion while losing with class.
What David Shassere said.
Well said! She's an amazing athlete. Haters are gonna hate no matter what...
Ronda is a fierce competitor and a champ....I WISH she had listened to your advice regarding Edmond Taverdyan!!
I read that your advice now to Ronda was to retire, but, as a fan, I would love to how she would look if she were to go to a world-class camp. Jackson/Winklejohn for example. I know Holly trains there, but Holly will be fighting 145 now so not a direct competitor anymore - imagine the training partners Ronda would have. I can't even begin to think of how much she would learn. She'd be a beast. She's still young, and would learn so much. ok, ok...a fan's wishful thinking, but....!!!
Regardless of the above, you are right to be very proud of her many, many achievements. Good luck to the both of you.
Well aren't you just better than everyone else? You are putting words in the author's mouth. Smh. The one thing that would lift a daughter's spirit and here you are trying your best to ruin it. Please go write a book or something and stay away from the internet.
Your daughter has accomplished a great deal and should be proud.
But she is not a perfect person. We all have shortcomings. The key is to be secure enough in oneself to recognize those flaws and to do one's level best to improve upon them.
She is still young and I'm confident she will continue to grow as a person.
Perhaps your daughter's biggest flaw is that she hasn't learned that her mother is right more often than not...
Somebody come look at this... Everyone in the world has lost at something, what makes you better is facing it and not running. Your daughter amazing as she is don't get me wrong needed to learn a lesson and apparently she needed to learn it again. Stop making excuses for your daughter. What about all the girls she beat she didn't think they felt bad. Only doing media when things are going well makes you look like a crowd.. Sorry but you still got some parenting to do.
I'm a fan of Ronda without a doubt, but why didn't she listen to you and get a wrestling coach to teach her take-downs so she could use the ground skills she already had against a very good striker?
Regardless, both of you are amazing, accomplished people!!
Dear AnnMaria,
i'm writting this with my heart full of love for Ronda - those who i realy admire since i started to fight boxe three years ago.
now i am 37 years and, believe, she is a mirror for me. an example of determination. in my club, the boxer boys call me Ronda and i feel so proud.
so, please, let Ronda know that yesterday was only a single fight - not the most important of her life.
let Ronda know that she is loved and admired even here, in Brazil, the land of Adriana
please, let Ronda know that every time i go to a round, i think of her, but not a woman, as an exemple for me.
thanx for your suport.
xxxx
Tais
Dear AnnMaria,
i'm writting this with my heart full of love for Ronda - those who i realy admire since i started to fight boxe three years ago.
now i am 37 years and, believe, she is a mirror for me. an example of determination. in my club, the boxer boys call me Ronda and i feel so proud.
so, please, let Ronda know that yesterday was only a single fight - not the most important of her life.
let Ronda know that she is loved and admired even here, in Brazil, the land of Adriana
please, let Ronda know that every time i go to a round, i think of her, but not a woman, as an exemple for me.
thanx for your suport.
xxxx
Tais
Thank you! Your daughter is amazing. She is strong, intelligent, courageous, and beautiful. She owes nothing to anyone, except perhaps, you. She help make and dominate the very atmosphere that the Brazilian champion now enjoys. Millions would not care one bit about the UFC if it weren't for Ronda, and Nunuz would not have earned a $200,000 purse. Ronda will remain a trailblazer and icon whether she fights again or not. Two fights do not define a career. She has much to offer the world outside of the octagon, so please tell her that many of us need her to be her, and that we are routing for her. God bless! Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker
GOAT are you retarded she got knocked out in back to back fight by 2 different girls and she's not even 30 she's in her prime you guys are just so blond and stupid to think she's a real fighter stop believing all media hype yall are so gullible it's funny
I would never criticize RR. I do however enjoy watching her take a beating the way she has recently. Criticize me if you want but it's my right as a paying customer. BTW I enjoy watching Connor take beatings too.
I don't usually post comments but I have to say that no matter what, Ronda is and always will be a great inspiration to both me and my daughter. She's done a lot for women in MMA in general and I hope she does come back if she wants to. That would be totally awesome to see her skills in the octagon again. Either way, I will always admire and love her. She's a great role model and always will be. I say screw all those haters on the internet who love to try to bring people down. They are just trolls anyway. Peace and love and I hope 2017 is a great year for her and all.
So proud of Ronda and still a fan. Looking forward to seeing her again.
Keep your head up
An elite champion and good person like Ronda deserved an elite coach and top gym.
Edmond is an idiot, con and a fraud with a phoney fighting background and an arrest for identity theft, and I could go on for 599 words here...
Ronda was a champion when she walked in and she would have been even better than she if she had been trained at an elite gym, with elite coaches and other strong fighters to practice with.
Edmond is a smooth talking con artist who got lucky when a very loyal young champion walked into his gym.
Dr De Mars did everything she could to influence Ronda to switch camps before she ever lost a fight.
I imagine Edmond being there from the start, doing nice things like refusing 10 percent of her first real purse (8,000), letting her train free for over a year, heaping good food on her and caring about her stayed with Ronda. I wish Edmond had realized his limitations and had her train some at other places (Kings MMA or Frias, etc), brought in a real MMA coach, and so on.
I admire many things about Ronda, including her loyalty.
Rhonda you are a great inspiration to all women of all ages. You are beautiful, strong, and confident. Those are not traits that come naturally, they are traits passed along from parents and through life experiences. In all you have accomplished these traits have shined through. Whatever you decide in your future, you will always be an inspiration to all females.
Puts it all in perspective
I hope Ronda retires, enjoys life and has other adventures.
She is a beloved icon to many people all over the World.
People look up to Ronda and she can help them in many ways. I am sure her kids at Gompers want to see her.
I hope Edmond becomes a man about this and advises Ronda that she should retire and if she refuses to retire that he will not train her. Kings MMA is close by and Frias is in Canada.
Always a champ for paving your way to something that was nonexistent for women. However, that path was only meant for you as no other fighter compares.
Win or lose...I still love ya Rhonda.....you're the BEST !!!!! HAVE A
GREAT NEW YEAR !!!!
Your daughter is an inspiration to millions and millions of people, regardless of her fight with Nunes. I appreciate her athletic talent as well as her openness with her speech delay/apraxia. She inspires some of the children I work with who are fighting against apraxia as well. She is an amazing woman and I am so thankful I learned about her and began following her career.
After all that said by a caring mother, its too bad Ronda did't *listen to her mother* ~ her coach's (maybe?) took money behind the scenes to destroy Ronda as a fighter, or, they are the worst coach's on the planet, and the best con men on the planet. They somehow managed to convince a beast of a fighter that she was a boxer. They somehow convinced Ronda to walk away from her strengths and become something she is not. 2 loses in a row trying to be a timid, shy boxer. Correction, not just two losses but they wrecked the best in the world. Sorry. Just saying what we all saw. I hate saying all of this because she is so much more than a fighter and will do great things as a human being after her fighting days are over, so I make these observations in the context of fighting only. In my opinion, she should remove Edmond and all of his people from her life, permanently. She should immediately sign on with a team and a coach *that understand her* and will coach to her strengths and to who *she is* ~ then, go and rip her title as Champion away from the current holder of it and retire on top. Her coaches should have coached her to have the mindset that she was going into the ring to reclaim her championship in 45 seconds. Like a tornado. That is what kind of fighter she (is/was) should show up as. Just my opinion from the way way outside
Ronda is so awesome. Who cares if she got beat up last night. Everyone gets beat up. Most of us just don't have the world watching when it happens. I hope she uses her money and her fame to do something she could never could have done otherwise. A girls Judo thing would be cool. She should just go around the world and promote women's martial arts, or, come to Austin and go on a date with me!
We love you Ronda!
but who gives a fuck what we think....
Happy New Year Killer!
-Mac
Great blog Dr. De Mars, If Ronda decides that it's not time to retire then please tell her many of her fans agree with you. That bum coach has to go, let's get a real team of coaches to get her back to the Ronda that dominated the UFC womens division. Your a real mom and kudos to you for the love you show for your children.
Fuck "My fight, your fight", girl this is OUR fight! Shine bright like the diamond you are �� Life is merely testing you yet again, challenging you to choose what door to open next. Whatever you do from here you'll be fucking great at let's face it. Just ensure your circle has the right sort of people in it, real people. Not those fake motherfuckers telling you what they think you want to hear, or what they think you should try next, real people with no ulterior motives. Come hang out in New Zealand, I could probably clear my schedule (yeh coz I'd have to think about that!) to show you round, see some sights & chill the fuck out somewhere peacefull, talk some shit and have plenty of laughs. Not because you're some superstar mega talented woman whose name is known across the globe, but because I get you and feel like I know you after following you for so many years. Nothing but ❤️ For you Rowdy hit me up when you get to little old NZ �� P.s bring your mum she reminds me alot of mine!!
I've written you in the past and I've criticized Ronda in the past for poor sportsmanship.
Overall though, I think she's awesome and as you pointed out, not yet even thirty years old.
Unlike many fans, I think she should retire now. She's accomplished more than any female fighter already and there is nothing left for her to prove. Naturally, I'd like for her to congratulate the new champion.
In my view, Ronda is like Royce Gracie; among the best grapplers the world has ever seen. Yet, today's champions have to be more well rounded and honestly, the rules are not very favorable for grapplers nowadays.
Besides, as you also said, she has so much more to offer. She can walk away now, healthy and with her head held high.
Loyalty is an awesome trait for any person to have but in Rondas situation I believe it's hurting her growth in mma. My wife and I love her but she seriously needs to move on from Edmund. She's a world class athlete without a doubt but without the proper training, knowledge and tools it's gonna be hard for her to compete with fighters who ARE being trained correctly. As far as I'm concerned that's all she needs to be champ again. Get rid of Edmond and train with a REAL mma team. If she decides she's done thats fine, she's still and will always be the first to open eyes on woman's mma, etc... love u Ronda!
Wow..What an incredible Mother !
It's no wonder that her daughter is who she is and has accomplished so much !
big thanks for raising her right !
That was a nice read.
Just get her away from Edmond and into a world-class camp where she can reach her potential. She'll never reach her potential under Edmond and this isn't a sport where you can afford to have terrible coaching.
Wishing her the best. Keep in close contact with her. Her talk of suicide last time scared many of her fans and no one wants her to be in that dark of a place after an athletic competition.
Wishing her the best in the future.
Those in sports that we view as the greatest have pretty much all lost. Some multiple times over. Ronda if you read your mom's blog and the comments understand this the sport needs you, the fans need you, hell the universe needs you. Rest, recover and do as all greats do. Come back for more. We love you rowdy and need you to come back
I couldn't agree more on most fronts, what I do have a problem with is that I believe she's surrounded with her with yes men and people who aren't there to help improve her. Her striking technique is horrid, her upright style while it works for some, mostly guys with big chins that can take punishment, isn't correct by any means. She needs to learn that striking isn't all about how to strike but avoiding those strikes and her stance doesn't allow for that. She needs to loosen up and not be a walking zombie, this is coming from someone who doesn't like her some of her immaturity, though I think she's a he'll of a fighter. She needs to get with the Mayweather or some good defensive boxing or kick boxing coach and get rid of her striking coach, she doesn't have the chin the Diaz brothers have, she can't emulate their approach to success. Hope this isn't the last I see from her, though I don't want to ever see her step in the ring so Ill prepared also. Best of luck.
Dr De Mars
Will Ronda be okay? I want to see her do something else, acting or WWE or modeling. I don't want her to go away forever, but I respect that choice if that's what she wants.
Please.... just... Tell her we love her, and please tell me she's alright. I just want her to be happy and have a long, beautiful career. She deserves it more than anybody else.
Ronda is inspirational and losing is half (at least) of sports. That match was the main event everywhere and she made it happen. Have a healthy and prosperous 2017!
Yes, she is an accomplished, beautiful lady with a lot of options, and we love her!
Ronda changed MMA. She's had an impact much like Tiger Woods has had on golf.
Where was the scouting report on Nunes and why didn't Ronda's tcoaching staff have a plan on it. Need to regroup and exploit Ronda's strengths, we already know her weaknesses so focus on controlling the pace and attacking on counter movements. On another note, I'm not sure Herb should have stopped that fight so suddenly.
Mom...
Ipon on your analysis. Rhonda has accomplished many, many amazing things.
You bet on the right person, Rhonda.
Ronda, however, bet on the wrong person, Edmonton.
That is the whole story.
I began Judo at 17, in 1967. My brother, who went into the priesthood, was one year older. He totally enjoyed beating me more than most anything in the world.
Blessings to you and your family for all you've accomplished together.
In spirit,
Cliff
You should be proud of your daughter just like any mother would be. I don't think Ronda has anything to be ashamed of and should still hold her head high as she did when she was the champ. She may have lost but without failure we cannot learn or appreciate our success. I wish her and you the best in 2017 Happy New Year!!!
At a time that I'm especially wishing to send Ronda my love and support, I am so glad that she has you! Always very much love and admiration to you and Ronda, and family.
-Jocelyn
There can never be enough of Ronda Rousey. There is something about her that captivates everyone. And that "something" was stated in the blog and couldn’t have been said any better. It is the deep passion she has for success and how she hurts deeply but manages to lift herself back up ALL ON HER OWN that makes her a captivating fighter. No one can tell a true warrior what to do and how to do it. They do and learn for themselves. Last year, I had the intention of writing to her to try to say something encouraging but everything I wanted to tell her, she realized all on her own and went on to state it on The Ellen Show. She is the WARRIOR who pep talks herself through her journey. Is that not something to admire?!? At the end of the day, she makes the ultimate decision on what she wants to do. That is the reason she is worthy of looking up to. There is nothing greater to admire than intelligence, strong-will, and self-confidence. The very qualities necessary to soar high.
The same way she makes her supporters smile when she smiles is the same way we hurt when she hurts because of her deep passion for success. I don’t believe any other current fighter has that incredible ability. She has all the attention regardless if its envy or Respect. Not only is she the face of the UFC but the face of a strong woman, a badass warrior, of rising up, and so much more. She is the living testament of the saying “if you can dream it, you can do it.” And let it be known that we will NEVER forget about the undefeatable champ Ronda Rousey! They go low, she goes HIGH (along with her supporters right next to her).
And to the beautiful warrior,
Do what YOU WANT to do and do it for your own fulfillment; you don’t owe anything to anyone. There is no need to please others. It’s your life, your journey. You made a grand entrance from the very beginning and captured everyone’s attention, that of the fools and of your loving fans, just as you wished your audience to “love me or hate me, just debate me.” Now it’s time to achieve the rest of your life goals whether it be continuing your fight for the championship, acting, starting an organization you’ve dreamt of initiating…whatever those goals are, your genuine supporters are patiently waiting to support you in accomplishing those dreams, to see you rise over and over and over again. Whether you have the belt or not, you’re FOREVER UNDEFEATED champ. As you’ve mentioned, everything happens for a reason. All of it is a contribution to your undisputable legacy. Can’t wait to meet you one day. May not be able to say much out of absolute shock but at least I’ll be able to share a hug with you. Shoot I was completely stunned with a mere life-size cardboard cutout!
Much love and respect for you champ!
Yes, but how can she continue to be a role model when she doesn't give respect back? She should've learned how to lose and she should have listened to her mom long time ago as well. Those two things alone would have made her a better person. Skipping out on the post fight press conference was the last straw for me. Her fans got a lot of backlash for defending her and she should recognize we have feelings too. Shutting everyone out, includes her fans. Calling out Connor after everything good he said about her is Ludacris! I still wish her the best but I can't look up to her anymore.
Dr. De Mars, please remind your daughter that she has inspired the next generation of young lady's to work hard and do what they feel is right for them. My daughter, who is a college wrestler, would not be where she is in her life if it wasn'the for women like her and yourself. Thank you for raises such a strong wonderful women. May she continued to live above the pettiness of her critics.
As a mom myself, I agree with you. The media is only out for what is going to get them ratings! Ronda is an amazing woman. I love her and think she is a beautiful woman. She needs to surround herself with people who are going to be there for her now!!! She don't need negative people around her! She doesn't need people around her that are only going to tell her what she wants to hear, but what she needs to hear!! She IS a great athlete and has a lot to be proud of in her accomplishments! She just needs to sit back and take care breather and decide her next move! Personally...If I was her...I would do an interview and tell the world that it sucks I got beat. However, things in UFC are changing since I STARTED THIS and I guess I either need to changed with the times or "get out of the ring". I truly believe her "people aren't being honest with her and she has been sticking to what she does best (which is awesome)! However, these women have figured her out. Ronda is the original women's UFC fighter and NO ONE will ever take that away from her!!! Sorry for my rant....It's the mom in me.....Love ya Ronda!!!!
Though I have casually observed WMMA since the days of La Rosa, Baszler, etc. I honestly read and understand more of what you post relating to education game development and parenting. So from that perspective, I fully agree that Ronda has accomplished much and has much potential in a diverse landscape for the future. I just hope that when she does take time to pull back and reflect that she does have the right people, her family, around her. In not just stardom there is the danger of the bubble that clouds a person's vision but I think the bigger danger is when there is someone with ulterior motives (money, ego, power, etc.) creating a bubble so that the person is only hearing certain things. No matter what good intentions she may have, these other influencers around her are clouding her judgement. I just hope she can see through it and keep the words of her own family closer to heart than those of all the people in this "business". No one in this world including her coach has her best interests in mind except her blood family.
I know Ronda has great support from you, her sisters and millions of fans. She may have lost this fight but she already won in life before she entered that cage last night as you so beautifully pointed out.
Beautiful words Dr. De Mars.
I keep reading from people, Writing about Rhonda's career in the past tense.
She has not retired, she had not quit.
From her career record and past accomplishments, she doesn't know the word Quit.
She'll heal both physically and mentally.
It's hard for people who always win, to taste defeat. It messes with your head but these two losses won't break her.
They may make her bend but they won't make her break.
I think Rhonda is amazing.
*Respect ! Sorry there are so many words to say about this champion that I have misspelled. Luv you Rhonda!
There will never be another Ronda Rousey. Let me say that again. No matter how many wins another fighter gets, she will Never be Ronda Rousey. Ronda is an icon. Ronda is why women are in the UFC. Ronda destroyed the glass ceiling. There can and will never be anyone like her. I hope she really understands how she is a real living legend. I hope she understands how beloved she will always be to the UFC and to fans all over the world. I hope she knows that the two recent losses do not define her. They cannot. I am 46 years old and she motivates me to be better. Thank you Ronda! Love and respect.
I’m wearing my ‘Fear the Return’ hoodie as I’m writing this…I was so glad to see this post! God bless you, AnnMaria for bringing such a beautiful soul into the world. As I said in a post on her Facebook page – it’s not her arm bars, hip tosses or titles that make me (a 40 year old disabled mother of 3) look up to her, it’s her vulnerability, her honesty, her authenticity and her amazing strength! I wish so much that I could hug her and say “Don’t you dare be ashamed!!! Don’t you dare, for a moment, feel that you are unworthy of tremendous respect and gratitude! YOU ARE A CHAMPION – not only in the octagon, but in the hearts of all the fans that have grown to love your beautiful spirit!!!” I will be praying that she really holds on to and recognizes her tremendous value, to her family and friends, to her fans, and to all the UFC women who now have a stage and an opportunity to be great – ALL BECAUSE OF HER! I will be praying that she surrounds herself by all the love and light that so many people are sending her and that she focuses on that love. I will pray that this quote (which I also posted on her FB page) will resonate with her, as I believe that it is perfectly appropriate here:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly..." ”- Theodore Roosevelt
Please, AnnMaria…tell her we love her so much and remind her how amazing that is since we do not even know her personally, but can recognize the real beauty that shines through her.
Many people, especially in the public eye end up having children before they are ready to properly care for them and with "flings" who have no interest in being a parent. It says a lot about someone of her popular status to NOT have multiple children by multiple guys that her mom would end up raising. (She has to be away a lot in her business.)I had my children in my very early 20's. I was ready and eager to be a mom. I see no disrespect in this comment at all. So glad she is being a responsible person. Stop being so sensitive and picking apart a mom's loving missive about her daughter.....
Ronda needs a real coach. I believe if she ever received one, she could dominate another 3-4 years. The greats had great coaches. Before Tyson's downfall, he had Cus D. Ali and Angelo... Ronda is doing it with Ed the idiot.
You as a mother know your daughter obviously.
I as someone who watches this sport think I know what she is capable of. In that octagon, there is no reason for her to lose to Holly or Amanda. I feel the reason she lost is right there in front of her every day at the gym.
What do I mean? I mean I would love to see Ronda fight after being trained by someone other than Tarverdyan.
There is nothing good about that leach. She needs to tell him to get lost... Have someone like Freddie Roach handle the boxing aspects, or Roufus take over training. Ronda's judo is amazing, and that is where her money is. Standing straight in front of Holly or Nunes just doesn't make any sense. Tarverdyan has to be a moron to even let her believe she should be doing that. he is obviously feeding her a load of crap on how good she is at striking, because he thinks he is good.
There is no one in women's MMA that can throw people like Ronda. If she had a real striking coach, and not a complete loser... She would still not have tasted defeat. She is amazing... and a once in a lifetime athlete. She just needs to get away from that idiot.
I hope she does... and then I hope she comes back and wrecks the division again.
I love her to death and think she is a great person! I admire her and she is funny as heck. I don't know if you will read this or not BUT please pass that a long she is such an inspiration to me. I am 4 and have had Multiple Sclerosis since 2005, single Mom doing the best I can raising my 3 kids. I was wondering if she could give me exercises and like a work out routine so that I can work on having more strength in my arms and legs. We don't have a gym here only one up at the high school (I live in a very TINY town lol) I can use it but have to get a key first which hopefully I can one of these days soon. I am NOT asking for a hand out or anything just pointed in the right direction and doing the right type of exercises and weights. I am very weak and fighting an ms relapse since Christmas. I am not sure how all this works but my email is niki.jones.73@gmail,com if you or her do feel like letting me know one of these days when things settle down.... Ronda you ARE THE BEST!!!!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this. You can delete my email so some crazy doesn't try to act like Ronda and msg me. Much Love to you all and I did NOT realize all of that about her. So MUCH to be VERY PROUD of that's for sure..
Hope that you all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR
edmund is cancer.
Ronda you are amazing!
You are an inspiration to millions of people around the world and that is something you will never ever lose!
Don't forget you have inspired so many and given so much, we love you.
A,P,P & R from Melbourne Australia!
Beautifully said. Never, never, ever listen to the naysayers. What people say about any of us is none of our business. The credit belongs to the woman in the arena... Much respect-
I will always admire Ronda for not just the fighter and athlete that she is, but also for the good that she does, whether or not the media pays attention to it.
I'm not just talking about taking women's sport to a new level and opening doors for women every, I'm talking about the small charities, the big charities, and whatever else she does that the public doesn't know about.
I've always loved watching Ronda fight, and I always thought of it as a privilege. I will always want to watch her fight, no matter who it is.
My heart aches for her, and I hope some time with family will help her. She didn't let anyone down.
Wow I wish I could have met her! I did however get a picture of her mural while visiting Venice. I would be starstruck, lost for words if I ever met my champ!!
Dr. De Mars,
You are the proud mother of a great and accomplished daughter who is an inspiration to millions of fans. While there are 'critics' who complain of how she previously promoted the matches and events, and her reaction to the loss, the snippets that expose her true character -helping out kids, promoting cities with a championship belt, speaking out against abuse- are what speak to me and the admiration I have of your daughter's character and accomplishments. I hope you can pass on words of encouragement that she will be supported in whatever endeavors she chooses for her future. God speed and God bless you and your family.
Too many to read
I admire your supportive overture. Ronda is a true MMA pioneer, and was a dominant Champion. It would be interesting to see her join a MMA that could expand her fighting tool kit.
Ronda you didn't lose a fight you actually won and by that I mean that hearts of more fans such as myself.You courage an determination you possess is tremendous You are a true role model and accomplished so much in life.Your mother has done an outstanding job in raising you that I can tell. We love you and care about you so much as a person. We're all so proud of you an I pray God will always be with you an your entire family. You got so much to look forward to in life...as Jim Valvano once said ...."Don't Give Up Don't Ever Give Up".....We Love you an pulling for you for you are an always be a winner in our hearts!!!!!
I AGREE
SHE REALLY NEEDS A NEW COACH
ALL
My wife and I think she will always be a winner in everything she does for the rest of her life. But we think now she should retire and find the right man and become a mother and have little ones and train them to follow grandmas and moms path of love for Martial Arts. Rhonda if you read this there is no shame in retiring and moving on with your life. Don't let all these haters say sh@t about you. They have never stepped into a ring and fought for anything. I wrestled and was scared as sh@t the first time I stepped in the ring. I hope my daughter was old enough to understand what you have done for the UFC.
Beautifully put. Please though encourage her back onto the right path with new Head Coach and Camp. She could definatley comeback and take the title with some defensive striking, footwork and head movement from a proper coach.
She is women's UFC she talked Dana White into it. He said it's the smartest decision he's ever made. Ronda has achieved greatness. Even Ali lost fights and came back from defeat and he's the greatest ever. Being undefeated is over rated even Mesha loses fights but she gets back on the saddle. It's not about one or 2 fights it's about your body of work. I would agree the body of work before 30 is "Greatness" all day everyday!
Mama knows best. Should have listened when mama told her to trash Edmund.
She is women's UFC she talked Dana White into it. He said it's the smartest decision he's ever made. Ronda has achieved greatness. Even Ali lost fights and came back from defeat and he's the greatest ever. Being undefeated is over rated even Mesha loses fights but she gets back on the saddle. It's not about one or 2 fights it's about your body of work. I would agree the body of work before 30 is "Greatness" all day everyday!
A lot of us wouldn't even be following MMA if it weren't for Ronda. I'm an adult man and I don't mind saying she's my hero.
I'm not too fond of her coach, but I understand Ronda's already getting advice about him. I, for one, am confident she could rise once again, with the right coaching, to the top of the sport she put on the map, but doing so would surely take a commitment of several years, and she has nothing left to prove. I know she has lots of options, so I hope she chooses to do whatever is best for her. She is lucky to have a supportive and loving family.
The only thing Ronda needs is a Pena Colada on a beach somewhere overlooking a sunset with that cool 3 million dollars compared to what 200k who's the Champ? Just need that edge back you scared the shit out of every one and intimidated all contenders with the arm bar and ground and pound. They all were affraid of being arm bared that was you r edge. Then you decide to box? That's not Ronda your ground and pound breaking arms, necks and legs. Fire your camp and get a new one if you fight again. Nunes weakness is her lower half especially from the knees down break her knees and ankles next time. Then break her arm with what you do best don't reinvent the wheel with boxing. Your the best because your a Judo Champion. You made your millions with it. Arm bar baby what Momma taught you jumping on you in the bed. Your the best Ronda always will be. 2 more fights one for the edge back and one for just Ronda ;) why? Because you can!
I too was heartbroken following this loss. Have always been a Rowdy Ronda Rousey fan, win or lose. She's always been a champion in my book.
And still, the prettiest UFC champion there is. And I still want to marry you!
I admire Ronda for being the great person she actually is.
Loyalty is a wonderful characteristic, and Ronda's loyalty to Tarverdyan was commendable. But after the loss to Holm, that would have been the time to send him packing - not because of the loss, necessarily, but because of the way the fight played out. People use the word "exposed", but the only thing exposed in that fight was her criminally rotten coaching.
Given her position and money, Ronda could at that point have found a better gym - plenty of them available - or built her own gym and put together a true dream team coaching staff - and then the past year-plus could have been used to ensure she would never again have to face a defeat like she did with Holm. Instead, though, she doubled down on dumb - for which she can only blame herself, to be perfectly frank.
It's certainly not too late, for an athlete of Ronda's talent and age, to put together that dream team and fight her way back to the top. I'm confident she could do it, but what would be the point? It would require several years of unremitting dedication, and for what? Just to do what she's already done? Even if she succeeds, she'll be past her prime and punched out by the time she retires. Given all the options in front of her, I hope she does something else. I can definitely see her in the starring role as Laura Croft, for starters. I'd buy that ticket as soon as it went on sale.
Happy New Year! Almost all of us are in love with your magnificent daughter!
What a lovely essay in defense of your daughter. You both continue to inspire.
Please please hang in there & bring it back! UFC is nothing to me without Ronda. She's a true fighter win or loose I love her
>...never been to rehab...
Always easy to take shots at the addicts, huh?
The name Rousey is not just associated with fighting within a cage, anyone can just "fight". Rousey at this too is a champion who has shown her determination. But, unlike others she has managed to become the most notorious fighter in women's MMA history. It's not just about the punches or take downs.But, the idea of Rousey which inspires us. This is hard to ever forget. We stand behind the women who has transformed "fighting" and the way women are looked at in such disciplines. She's the one who said "fuck it" and pushed without regret or fear of rejection. The leader who's right it is to become the legend.Girls like Nunes will come and go; each respectively will have their victories and losses.They will indeed be the best, until they are not. One word. Natural. To error is to be human. Ronda included. I cant imagine being so high and having to fall so low. Few can. Last night was not Ronda's night. She got hit hard. But, that does not change what she's done or what she will continue to do; fighting or not. Rousey is the reason for women's MMA and regardless of a few bumps on the road we will never forget her. #TheIdeaOnlyLegendsCanGive #FearTheLegacy #NotJustTheReturn #Respect
Ronda lost, but that doesn't make her any less of a champion. Rondas the reason why women UFC is taken seriously. In all honesty the average Joe blog wouldn't know 99% of female ufc fighters but would most likely have heard or know of Ronda. What makes To do great is not necessarily her ability in the ring, but her personality outside of it. Muhammad Ali once said "I never thought of losing, but now that it's happened, the only thing is to do it right. That's my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life." in my opinion one of her greatest quotes, you've only truly lost, when you concede defeat.
Ronda lost, but that doesn't make her any less of a champion. Rondas the reason why women UFC is taken seriously. In all honesty the average Joe blog wouldn't know 99% of female ufc fighters but would most likely have heard or know of Ronda. What makes To do great is not necessarily her ability in the ring, but her personality outside of it. Muhammad Ali once said "I never thought of losing, but now that it's happened, the only thing is to do it right. That's my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life." in my opinion one of her greatest quotes, you've only truly lost, when you concede defeat.
I'm proud of your daughter too. That's why it makes not sense to me that she would announce on Ellen's show that she was suicidal. She has the kind of success that most people only dream about. Someone needs to point that out to her. Maybe you.
Dana White says he loves Ronda. Yeah, I'll bet he does. Four billion dollars later. UFC wasn't shit before Ronda came along. Does anyone in their right mind really think Dana White & Company could have sold UFC for four billion if it weren't for Ronda and her worldwide notoriety? Whatever White and partners have paid Ronda, they got a *huge* bargain. Without Ronda Rousey, UFC would still be bargain basement bullshit, owned by a couple of Vegas lowlifes and their enterprising junior partner.
Yes your daughter did great achievements you should be proud. But to get beat by a boxer than be beat by another boxer is sad. Just my opinion. Being involved in martial arts for years,when your drop your hands and get hit in the face and drop your hands and get hit in the face you might learn. Stop blocking punches with your face. Not sure what the corner was telling her , keeping hands up is a white belt problem.
Ronda, you've already inspired so many with your skill and dedication that you don't have anything to prove to your fans, we know all about your dedication and drive. What we get to see now is the depth of your resilience when you ultimately decide to fight again. I believe a huge weight has been lifted from you, the expectation is no longer that you must win just to prove yourself and your record is still stellar by any measure. If you retire I will totally understand but I don't think it's that easy to turn the warrior off, you've got fight left in you and it has nothing to do with the media side of things.
MY OPINION: You took a headbutt that dazed you vs Holm that much of the media didn't even see and you got stung early by Nunes which can happen to any fighter. Those 48 seconds didn't define you. I wasn't used to seeing you intentionally trying to ignore media, it felt a bit unnatural, my advice there would be to say whatever you feel like saying and not a word more. Talk if you feel like it, don't if you don't feel like it, just keep it natural... either extreme just drains your energy. Even a baseball player gets 3 strikes and your record is fantastic, it's the media garbage that is unrealistic.
QUESTION: A few people I talk to have mentioned "Guevedoces" about Nunes, does the UFC even check for that kind of medical condition? If not, that's highly unfair.
It's been a pleasure watching you fight, you're one of the best I've ever seen, and I'm definitely not jumping ship whatever the media says.
It may be stormy now... but it can't rain forever! Keep on Keepin on!
Ronda, I sincerely hope you find what it is you're truly searching for. For someone who has accomplished as much as you have in such a short span of time, I can think of no better piece of writing than the book of Ecclesiastes as a place to start to add a new and even more meaningful chapter to your life. Read, and pray - that God will direct your path from this day forward. God bless!
Forever our champ and an inspiration to all women. No amount of losses can ever change all that she has achieved. Anyone who doubts Ronda's capabilities, dedication and determination should read her book. Her mental strength and discipline is truly admirable. Everything she sacrificed to succeed and forward her fighting career demands respect. We will be here with all the faith and support if/when Ronda fights again. Let her know she is respected, loved and just as much of an inspiration as she always has been. Like everything, this will pass and she will go on to even more great things - in the octagon or not. She will always always be my hero and is the reason I believe I'm a young woman who can be a badass that should never shy away from being exactly who I am (whether people like it or not) The best there ever will be in women's MMA but more importantly on a human level she's taught us never to give up, never set limits, reach your full potential and show anyone who stands in your way what you're made of. We love you Ronda. More with every fight, win or lose.
And thank you for raising the champ you have.
Dear Mrs. Rousey,
I hope you are well.
Your daughter has certainly accomplished a lot in her career thus far, for which both you and her should be proud - Mad props on that end. Very talented judoka, no doubt, and also a very marketable individual, also, nothing wrong with that she is a hotty!
However, it must be noted that your daughter, me being someone who has followed MMA for considerable time now, has yet to learn the true aim of martial arts, which is to bring you at peace with yourself and to humble you despite what life throws our way, or else what's the point really. Ronda's accomplishments only put forward her level of arrogance e.g. Meisha Tate, Holly Holm and hibernating from the media and her fans... not the true mark of a champion, her being a champion at one point nonetheless. You might try and draw parallels between Ronda and McGregor and say "well what about him" but in essence it is two completely different scenarios at play here... by comparing the two side-by-side it becomes more evident (coaching, entertainment factor and sportsman ship-post trash talking, winning belts in 2 divisions and the list goes on etc... I think a more appropriate comparison might be Jon Jones... again in essence... look where his actions got him.
The fact is that your daughters losses showed us who she was in defeat. However, we all grow and learn from our mistakes and once humbled we can tactically retreat and work our way back better and stronger. I wish Ronda the best and hope she will overcome and return.
Final thoughts - This Targarverdamian tasmanian - whatever his name is - guy needs to go big time... he is a SHIT coach... get Ronda over to Jackson/Winklejohn, Team Alpha Male or even AKA (Cormier, Velasquez camp). They will make her a beast! No one will be able to stop her then, N.B. have a look at how well Damien Maia did once he improved his striking by leaps and bounds despite being an accomplished BJJ practitioner if not one of the best in the world (he did however destroy Carlos Condit in his last fight on the ground). Ronda needs to round out her skills, respectfully she is too one dimensional (at least in respect of the current talent pool in her division)
I wish you, Ronda and your family all the best moving forward and hope I haven't said anything to upset you with Ronda being your daughter.
JJ Iqbal
Too often the critics are the loudest voices we hear. Ronda has had an amazing career so far and achieved some really great things - there is a lot more in her to admire than simply wins in the cage. I hope that in time she can ease up on herself and see herself for the true success she is. Love to her.
The only mistake she made is called:
Edmond.
Nice curriculum, lost anyway. She's an amazing fighter? She's a legend? Absolutely yes, but lost. Tarvedyan is a problem for her? Absolutely yes, but lost.
Defeats exists, not dealing with this is true defeat.
And it's a little too small for her curriculum and history.
Good thing she is able to care a lot. However, true success is being able to smile when things go wrong. I dont need to tell you that it is impossible for things to go wrong inside/outside the octagon.
Good for her that she has accomplished so many things in life. Everybody is happy for her. By taking this so hard on herself, she is not making it any easier for herself or anybody else who loves her to deal with the loss
FIRST READ DANIELLE BOLLELI - ON THE WARRIORS'S PATH. HIS WIFE DIED, HE KNOWS SORROW WELL, AND HE IS A SINGLE DAD, AND HE KNOWS MARTIAL ARTS, AS WELL AS JOE ROGAN . HE WAS A GUEST ON JOE ROGAN. RONDA NEEDS TO SPEAK WITH JOE ROGAN. She needs a honest assessment on her skills as a martial artist. Yeah, Hi, I am a guy. Edmond whats-his-face, ruined her last two fights. He has been riding on her success from day one. He has no other successful fighters in MMA or Boxing, and you yourself have disagreed with him before. Others might feel the need to sympathize with Ronda, but I don't. Shit happens. She needs to change fight camps or not fight at all. Her getting in the Octagon again just so she can be publicly eviscerated makes no sense. She has given the UFC enough, and life goes on, which YOU yourself already know. It is immensely unfortunate and odd that know one has told her that this "trainer" and "coach" is a horrible addition to her journey as a martial artist. Ronda is a martial artist. Martial arts, doesn't stop just because you lose. Losing is a part of growth and the journey. But if she decides to continue with UFC or any other fight promotion, MAKE HER CHANGE TRAINING CAMPS. Martial arts has existed for over 1,000 years. Simply put there are different forms, there isn't anyone on this planet that knows them all. HER LEARNING ISN'T DONE. I write this to you, BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON SHE WILL LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW. ONLY YOU CAN CHANGE HER MIND, YOU SHOULD BE THE ONLY PERSON TO CHANGE HER MIND. As for her losses, everyone loses at some point, it is just nature. IF she gets in the any Octagon again she needs to be DEADLY NOT DANGEROUS. The opponents she face will draw blood, count on it. Now that she is at the pinnacle of martial arts is when it is MOST DEADLY. She must be willing to learn any skill from any martial arts practitioner, in any country, at any time to become MORE than what she is now. SHE NEEDS TO BE READY TO DESTROY HER OPPONENT COMPLETELY. NO ONE IS HER FRIEND RIGHT NOW. Or she can just not. Her choice.
P.S - I don't mean speak with Joe Rogan on his podcast, I mean privately.
Yeah, Hi , I'm the guy again. This is just too shocking. She really needs to lose this Edmond whats-his-face. RR is insanely loyal, she has history with this guy, ok. HE IS DRAGGING HER DOWN, LITERALLY. CAN'T ANYBODY ELSE SEE THIS ???
she was never a good a person in victory or defeat, period. she shows no repect for others but wants respect back. the universe has away of making things right, and it did.
We hold her to a higher standard and she should uphold those standards. Acting like a sore loser is nothing to be proud of. I lost all respect for her in the Holly fight. But this performance solidifies what a spoiled brat you raised. Life beats all of us down.
YOUR QUOTE: Since so many people asked me "What do you mean zero children? Children aren't a bad thing." I agree. I have four. I meant that she did not have children before she was able and willing to raise them.
This makes you sound very judgemental of people not so fortunate to get the advice on issues like this. You may be right that your daughter has made good decisions in certain areas, but in doing so you shame many people who - for various reasons - lack of support, lack of good advice, no good role models, etc - did not or could not make those decisions. In short you make a lot of people - myself included - feel bad. I think you could have done better in being proud of your daughter to us, without indirectly putting down other people. DUIs - ok - drugs - ok, agreed, those are bad things. But divorces? Children before one can support them? Do you know the divorce rate? Do you know how many children are born to families who cant afford them? You shame me, shame on you.
Petty people see greatest and are jealous of it. Petty people see greatest and want to be a part of tearing it down. At first I was perplexed by this uncommon sense. As I began seeing my own greatest, even in my little World I've experienced the rot inside people. Friends and family shitting, for lack of a better word, on the IDEA that I have what it takes to succeed. That betrayal sent me in a tailspin. It was only when I came close to giving up that I knew what sacrifices had to be made. So I walked away from it ALL.
In my mind, it's always been me against the World but it was only after I gave up everything, that I was truly free to do ANYTHING. I gave up friends, family and quit the rat race of modern slavery. How can you live with no job, no friends and no family? My answer, diligently.
My greatest accomplishment is my son. A gift all in itself. He's a genius. Came into this World silently scanning the room. First word 60 days, alphabetically proficient by 11 months. But what truly is magnificent about him is he did what no one could do before and that was give me direction, give me purpose. I won't ever forget the moment that being a father sank in. It hit me like a ton of bricks, ironically, I mean that literally in a figurative way. I was in jail reading about his first kick when almost instantaneously I knew my purpose. Almost as if my life flashed before my eyes.
With no knowledge of how, all I knew is what I had to do. With my mom's extensive VHS collection and the first job I got myself working at a second run theater, the big picture was clear. I'm going make movies and with 30 days left in the joint I had all the time I needed to learn how. With limited paper and ink I made a jailhouse comic book. After completing the first scene that's when I knew I had opened Pandora's box.
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas but a life lesson I'll gladly learn over and over. Between being a new father and a new husband I only excelled at one, the former not the latter. But try as you may you can't please everyone, no matter how hard you try and boy I tried.
1800 miles and 5 screenplays later. I credit myself for being tough as nails but having my son taken away from me. A fate similar to death,
only difference is you don't dream when you're dead. One would think that through all this I would resent life, but on the contrary I see the blessings in disguise. Without the separation from my son I could not appreciate him on a level I can not begin to describe with words, even getting hit by car was a blessing. It doesn't feel pleasant when someone hits you and leaves you for dead, but without it I wouldn't have watched Ronda vs Dalelio, the first girl fight I've ever watched-watched, and that smile. It was love at first sight. Brains, beauty, bronze. The perfect woman. The new standard.
Once I was able to walk again, I went back to my mission, back to the streets. Only this time there was something more than the empty shell of what I used to be. I was no longer sacrificing just for my son, I was sacrificing for so much more, a divine design of my own creation. I began to reach out before my ascension. You think after 5 years of living a third world life in a first world country, 5 years of refusing to submit to my trials, 5 years of a living Hell, 5 years of self discovery, 5 years of grinding that people would understand that I will not give up no matter what.
I've got the weight of my World on my shoulders, a burden I am all too willing to carry. I know when you ask GOD for strength life gives you struggle so you can learn true strength and I'm strong. Mind, body and SoL.
Even the homeless have their fair share of haters. Be it by kin, friends, or others. Petty people see greatest and are jealous of it. Petty people see greatest and want to be a part of tearing it down. At first I was perplexed by this uncommon sense but as I grew stronger I realized it was merely them projecting their insecurity, their insignificance.
Good to remind ourselves of the amazing things Ronda has accomplished. Maybe now however, Ronda will finally listen to you about Edmond. And if not, hopefully she'll listen to Dominick Cruz's post-fight presser on how to deal with a loss. Avoidance and isolation is not the answer.
(As if anyone cares...) I want Ronda to train with Holly Holm.....or, at least, I want Ronda to move to Albuquerque...and, join that team.
I WANT Ronda to be a "comeback" story. I've wanted that since before she suffered her first loss. She needs to go through this entire experience so she can teach so many others about loss. She's on this earth for a reason and it wasn't to be an "MMA champ." The sooner she gets that through her head the better off we'll ALL be...including HER!
Ronda has so much more potential than simply being a "movie star." I want to see her dig deep and FIND that within herself. (Before she ever lost her first fight I WANTED her to lose JUST to WATCH her comeback!)
If she's not medically prohibited, I'd LOVE to hear Ronda say TOMORROW "I don't care if my record winds up 10-10...I'll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime...I'm here to get my self-respect back...FOR ME!"
Albuquerque is calling.....Ronda just needs to turn her ringer on...and answer the call...
Sorry momma you can brag her up all you want, I mean she has accomplished a lot. People are criticizing Ronda on how she takes a loss, this is true. That is not the problem, the problem is how she takes a win. She created (with help from the media)a bad picture of Bethe Correia. The girl was saying things to try and hype the fight, she had no idea about Ronda's father. Problem is nobody cared after Ronda got angry about it. Bethe is a good person and would not have used the term she did had she known about what happen. Ronda disrespected Tate and the idiot fan base cheering her on just made her act worse. Ronda has made up reasons to act disrespectful (fight with Holly Holm). The reality is Ronda is not very good at losing but she is even worse at winning. I'm not hiding either so if you can show that I do not speak the truth I'd love to hear it. Tmound@gmail.com
While I understand a mother defending her daughter, I think your blog is heartfelt.
Rhonda lived and died by her being unbeatable, the same as Mike Tyson. Both of them had an aura when they were undefeated that they could NEVER be beaten.
But once they lose, the bubble pops and they are never the same because they lost the one mental edge over opponents:. Fear.
I feel bad for Rhonda because the media is guilty for building her up and now tearing her down. But she played right along with every interview and appearances in movies like Entourage. In the end, she was never as great as people said and isn't as bad as people say now.
Thank you for this post ..
After the lose I was worried about here after how she felt last time .. I love Ronda and she will always be my champ. I have watched her for so long .. she is an amazing woman and totally reminds me of myself.
I would still love to meet her and let her know that there are people out there that do love her and respect her no matter if she wins or looses.
I would love to see her fight again...but I want her to be happy and do her.. she still has so much of her life ahead of her and so much she can do. She has already done so much.
Love you to death Ronda! You are the first fighter I have ever followed I have such admiration for you.. Keep being the beast you are.. no matter how you do it :)
Someday I will get to shake your hand. Keep being awesome! <3
I don't watch much WFC fighting, but I saw a bit of this one. After reading just a little about Ronda I am very impressed. She is a winner and a champion. Good job and my hat off to you. Losses in sports eventually come. No one can stay top of anything forever. You have two choices, work and train harder but with someone with a new feel, or...move on and do other things. Anyone can be beaten, anyone. It is a matter of finding the weakness, or series of weaknesses and capitalizing on them. An old coach isn't going to get you to a new plateau. If a new coach can't be found, then off to something else. Question is, do you want to keep doing this or do you want to enjoy a new focus? Winning is in you, but winning encompasses more than just the fight. Again, I am impressed and am a new fan. As for your mother...how wonderful it is to have someone like her to help. Wish I had the mother in my sport's career as you have.
Dr. DeMars,
First of all congratulations on being a pioneer in Judo in America, and as a parent of two daughters I congratulate on raising fine women yourself. Your athletic and academic accomplishments are impressive and your daughter Ronda has been an example for my girls not just for her athletic achievements, but also for her tenacity and in particular her stance against Fletcher Thornton.
I'd like to see Ronda continue to succeed in combat sports and as a positive role model for young women. I have three kids, all of whom compete in combat sport and rowing. I've always tried to point out athletes that do the right thing on the mat/field/water and off it. Your daughter is one of those people.
It's time for her to seek out better coaching and a different training atmosphere, like she might find in Albuquerque or Montreal with Jackson or Zahabi. I hope she can find the will to step out of her comfort zone and continue to excel.
Best,
Peter
I think people do respect her accomplishments. It's how she conducts herself after a loss. I listen to you talk, and you are a tough customer and you are successful in your own right! Your daughter isn't you, only a part of you. I know had you would have lost, you would have handled it differently. You can only do so much as a mother. You warned her about this coach and even people in her circle that should not be there. You knew.. even when I watch your interviews, part of you blames yourself for the events, because you couldn't do more for your daughter in this difficult situation. You've done enough.. you just don't know how much..
Hi Dr. AnnMaria,
You don't know me, neither does your daughter Ronda, but to me you both are some of the most inspiring and admirable people out there in the world.
Ronda is one of very few public figures I look up to as a role model. I have followed her career through social media since her time fighting in Strikeforce.
When she stated she would finish out her career as the undefeated Women's Bantamweight Champion in the UFC, I was excited. “Yes!,” I thought, “get it girl!” When she lost her fight against Holly Holm, I thought, "Everyone has a bad day, she's going to come back and beat them all." When she did her show with Ellen, and talked about the point at which she was at her lowest and contemplating suicide, I was impressed that she was willing to share that with the world in a day and age where mental health struggles are still considered too taboo to talk about in public. And then I eagerly awaited her return to the UFC for show 207. To watch her fight live and see the look on her face when the referee cut the fight short with his call, was heartbreaking. To see the internet trolls come out in mass to talk shit about her -- with zero respect for what she has accomplished -- was astounding.
As each second passed after that fight and Friday night turned into Saturday morning, all I could think of was "I hope she is ok, please let her be ok. 'Fall seven times, stand up eight.'"
Regardless of Ronda's fight record, regardless of if she holds the belt or not, Ronda is someone who I continue to look up to as a role model.
“Strong is beautiful” is more than a advertisement tag-line for women like me. As a young woman who has survived an abusive childhood, sexual assault at the age of 19, and who is now an automobile mechanic and a volunteer Firefighter/EMT, I did not have anyone to look up to when I was growing up. There were no female role models I knew of who represented who I was -- a fighter, a survivor, and a hard-charging take no shit woman. Ronda Rousey was one of the first women I came across whose story I felt a connection with, and who inspired me to fight through the hard moments in life and keep working toward my goals.
A week before Ronda's December 30th fight I bought her book "My Fight Your Fight" as a Christmas present for myself. I read it in three days, and now it sits above my bed on the shelf next to the pictures of my four younger siblings, among others who inspire me.
My hope in writing to you here is that you will let Ronda know that there is a 21 year old woman out here who is looking forward to the day Ronda stands back up in the public sphere, has that grin on her face, and says "Hey world, I'm still here, I'm still awesome, and you ain't seen nothing yet.”
Ronda's legacy is the same before her fight as it is after; she smashed the glass ceiling and opened the floodgates for the top female athletes in the world to compete in the UFC. Every one of her accomplishments that you have listed above speak for themselves. Myself -- and I am sure many other people as well -- share that same feeling for Ronda that your daughter stated above; “We love you just as much 10 minutes after every fight as we did in the 10 minutes before.”
I am grateful I have been able to see her legacy unfold in real-time and I am grateful she had the tenacity and grit to go after what she wanted in life and share her story with the world.
May she and your entire family have the best year yet in 2017.
Respectfully,
Allyson F.
I apologize for the encouragement I gave on your blog for Ronda fighting in MMA...while she was with Edmond.
Edmond is as bad or worse as publicaly has been said, personally and as a trainer.
Ronda inspired many, including myself. She has helped many.
Ronda would have risen to the top and been a trailblazer with almost any striking coach- perhaps even at the YWCA.
Edmond understands things were evolving but his selfintrest got in the way.
He should have have had her cross train at other places, brought in real talent 5 days a week
... or been a man and told her to leave. Kings MMA is down the street, Frias is in Canada.
Elite coaching and rolling with many strong fighters every single week was needed.
Edmond has no successful record training MMA champions other than Ronda. They come, seem to get worse, leave, etc. Of course he has no home grown champions. His pesonal, financial and ethical life is a shambles.
Even somehow verbally giving perfect MMA advice would not be enough. World class fighters need to practice with other strong fighters- roll with them, talk with them, maybe become friends with them.
____
I hope Ronda retires. The world is her oyster.
If she must continue, I hope she moves camps.
Edmond should be telling her these things.
If she continues, she deserves regular elite training in a place deep with diverse talent.
_______
I have never had a favorite athlete before and I have learned I get to waive my hands in the air and have opinions. Howeve, those things have worn embarrassingly thin.
I was sick seeing Ronda take two brutal beatings in a row by woman training in elite gyms- smart gyms that are deep with talent.
What is it like for Holly to roll with Jon Jones or for Amanda to be around Joanna and a top staff?
Two years with a top gym and Amanda is unrecognizable. Prior she lost to 3 fighters Ronda easily beat.
I don't like the post fight phto of Edmond standing hands on hips looking at Ronda. He should try going rounds with top fighters.
Coaching matters. Teammates matter.
You are an amazing mother. She is very lucky to have you.
Dear Dr. Ann- Maria,
I wanted you to know that you've raised a fantastic daughter, and whilst I have admired her work in the cage; it is what I've seen from her outside of the cage that has caused me to write this.
I humbly suggest to you and Ronda that her greatest victory will not be in the cage, but will be her work as a role model outside of it. Only, if she doesn't give in to the negativity and shy away from the potential that she has. And I don't mean a role model just to women, or to people who want to fight one day.
In Ronda, I see a person who is generous(supporting charities, children), loyal, and caring. She recognizes that the worship of money, and viewing of materialistic things as the sole marker for success is a dangerous ideal, which is harmful to our society.
I would love to see, charitability put on a pedestal. Self-sacrifice put on a pedestal. Western society is badly in need of people who are role models because of what they do for others, not what they accomplish for themselves or what they own. A world where Bill Gates is beloved for his foundation, not for Microsoft. Unfortunately, it's 2017 and it seems we are not heading down the right path.
In Ronda, I see common ground. Despite her success, she criticizes materialism, supports Bernie Sanders, and shows her willingness to be a voice for women's issues world-wide. Hopefully, she keeps and cherishes her drive to make a difference in the world, not just in a sport that really doesn't matter anyway. (And this as one of the most hard-core MMA fans alive probably)
She has the potential to be the role-model society so badly needs. A role model because of her benevolence, empathy, generosity as well as her clear determination, and hard-working nature.
So, Ronda, buck up champ. The story is only beginning. Remember that your fight is our fight. I hope you're willing to be the change. Either way, you'll have a fan in me.
Take care,
Sahir
nice words, keep love your lovely daughter. She is an inspiration for me and for many people in the world. Sending love.
Dr. AnnMaria, I completely agree. Your daughter has truly excelled. I'm a fan of judo, and so I became a big fan of Ronda as well. That she so effectively used judo to quickly defeat many of her opponents was a joy to watch. Seeing her rush in, grab and flip (left hip throw, I believe) her opponents, and then submit them with an arm-lock (aka arm-bar), was wonderful. Unlike watching fights won by striking, where there's blood and injury (which is unpleasant to see), it was a joy to watch your daughter artfully submit opponents. Professor Kano would be proud.
Admittedly, I was a bit perturbed by Ronda's move toward using striking rather than arm-locks to beat opponents (IE, Alexis Davis in UFC-175). And I was bewildered by the approach she took against Holm and Nunes. Why move away from the wonderful art of judo and attempt (unsuccessfully) to move toward a grisly and nasty boxing style?
Anyway, I do admire Ronda and wish her well. She is a champion of unparalleled accomplishment. If she does retire from UFC, that's fine (aspects of UFC strike me as a bit unsavory frankly -- devoting herself to the Gompers Judo dojo would likely be better). Admittedly, though, I would like to see her return in flip and arm-lock glory and in full judo mode defeat Holm, Nunes, and all others.
My name is Emilee. I know my comment will probably be washed out and left unnoticed amongst the numerous responses on this post, but if there is a chance of Ronda or someone as close to her as her mom seeing this, it is a chance i'm willing to take. I am 17 years old and started Taekwondo when i was just 4. 5 years later i decided to compete in the sport and have since received bronze medals in 2 Junior Olympic competitions and US Open. When i was 14 years old, i competed in a local tournament and got knocked unconscious, breaking my orbital bone, and causing a number of severe CTE symptoms forcing me to stop fighting for a while. Growing up i never had a women fighter to look up to and thought women had no chance in the sport. My family was in Vegas for a vacation and my dad got tickets for Rousey vs Tate 2. Seeing the arena's energy as Ronda caught Miesha in an armbar after a rough first round was truly lifechanging for me. I continued watching her fights, reading her book, and laughing at the movies and interviews she has been in. Ronda Rousey has been a woman that i look to as my role model. Now and forever. Seeing the announcement of her come back after her Holm loss in 2015 motivated me to get back in the ring and train in MMA myself. I realized nothing can limit your chances at your dream and no injury is too big to overcome. I was at the UFC 207 fight ringside and saw it all go down. Watching you and Ronda walking away, passed my seats, out of the arena broke my heart. But please tell her how many lives she has touched. It takes such a champion to enter a ring after such a long time especially when facing a defeat. But she will never be defeated. She is still my champion and her true fans' champion. Ronda keep your fire lit and even if you don't feel returning to the octagon is in your best interest, you will have supporters for everything you decide to do. Whether you knit hats and scarves, or plan your bunker for the apocalypse, you will have me backing you up. You will always be a motivation to everyone around the world. Don't let these senseless comments and media bring you down. I love you Ronda and thank you for being you.
Anyone whose work reaches tens or hundreds of millions of people will have a lot of fans, a lot of superfans and a lot of haters.
Maybe if Ronda had said or done some things a bit differently she would have fewer haters. But considering how many millions of people follow her and the UFC the number of haters would always be large.
I don't know why so many people want her to carry on. She is a superstar. She has been "The Greatest". She doesn't have anything to prove.
In sport no one can be the champion for ever. Unless their event gets retired.
This isn't tennis or golf where people routinely carry on for decades. This is MMA. Make your money fast and get out quick while you're still healthy. Ronda has made her name and made her money. She can do anything.
It was all very well when Ronda was wiping people out in seconds. Often barely taking any damage. But in her last two fights she has taken horrible damage. Damage that could come back to haunt her later in life.
Sure, she could be champ again. But she won't be as dominant as she was in the past. The game has moved on. Everyone likes wins. But at what cost?
The game has moved on largely because of Ronda. The money the she helped bring in has lead to more women training more professionally. More legends coming in from others sports. More women able quit the day job and train at the best gyms, with fewer distractions.
She can make movies, write books, present TV shows, dance with the stars etc. Anything.
Good luck with the next chapter kid.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
― Theodore Roosevelt
Keep your head up Ronda. At the end of the day, no one can truthfully deny that you are not a Champion, a terrific fighter with an indomitable spirit. Everyone fails at some point in life, it's just life, but one really has to admire your determination & accomplishments. POST 207, whatever is decided, everyone should respect and support.
#TeamRousey
Ronda is certainly an accomplished woman. That cannot be denied. I believe that the criticism that she receives has more to do with the way that she presents herself as a person. We don't get to see the loving, caring Ronda that you mention so often. She seems to have an attitude of superiority, which is invalid no matter her accomplishments. There are literally millions of us who have accomplished as much if not more than she has, yet with no cameras in our faces and often for less money, and managed to treat our fellow man with humility and grace at all times. You cannot tell me that she has survived more than someone with a debilitating disease, or who suffered ongoing abuse as a child, or came from the depths of poverty. If you believe that those silent accomplishments are not worthy of as much respect, then you are equally as deserving of criticism.
Love Ronda will always be behind her no matter what
So very True! Forever My Champ
Ronda also have the highest championship difense in UFC woman's history what Ronda has to fix is very easy, 1rst built-up a strong mentality cuz is hurt/broken a lot of Legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leanord, Roberto Duran, Chuck Ludell, Royce Gracie, Tito Ortiz, The Shamrocks bro., Randy Cuture even The great Rowdy Piper all those Legends have losses on there carrier but they still left a Lagacy, & last but not least I know a lot people don't like boxing but if Ronda add boxing skills to her arsenal from a real boxing couch then she can turn her self into a Leather weapon because Grappling is not everything
AnnMaria you have raised very beautiful, strong and brave daughter. I love Ronda the way she is. I was starting to learn English when I was watching her Interviews couple of years ago. All I see she is very kind and lovely person in heart. I don't understand people who try to judge her by behavior which MMA sport requires to have to be successful and interesting in the media. And I understand why she stopped to do the media for MMA. MMA community is crazy and aggressive, especially in the Internet. But the thing is, those haters don't and will never have even a 1/100 of the success that Ronda has. If she decides to keep fighting, I'll watch it. And I will admire her despite win or loss. She already made unique and unbelievable wins and achievements that can't be undone and can't be made by other athletes. If she decides to leave MMA I'll be reading news about her and I'll be happy for her happiness in life. There are many nice and interesting things to do in life, and fighting in not the nicest one. I wish her love and I want her to know there are millions of people who love her, even if they don't write a message. Happy New Year and best wishes from Russia.
Why one inspired woman is a Ronda fan:
https://t.co/KOP1Tbimsh
Records of MMA fighters since moving to Edmond Tarverdyan's gym:
Baszler 0-3
Guida 0-2
Duke 1-5
Shafir 1-2
Ellenberger 2-5
Browne 2-4
6-21
My name is abby baquera. I'm a 9 year old judoka. Ronda is my hero and I would to meet her some day to cheer her up and give her a big hug. I love watching her compete.my dream is to go to 2024 olympics.
Well said. Ronda is great and has been extremely successful. Her hard work paid off. I appreciate the role model she is to women. Haters...they hate on what they can't be or accomplish.
Ronda should have listened to you and fired her coach. In her fight vs Holmes, even tho it was the head kick that knocked her out, it was boxing that beat her. Again vs Nunes, it was boxing that beat Ronda. She does not know how to box. She showed no boxing defense. She needs to learn boxing. There is no point in Ronda attempting to come back until she learns how to box, and box well, and she is very capable of that. She needs a good boxing coach. If her current coach Edmund Tarverdyan was any good, he would have made sure she learned how to box during her year of preparation to come back. That obviously did not happen, and there is no excuse for that. She did get healthy and in the best condition I have ever seen her, but that is not enough. Ronda needs to fire Edmund "the Count", and get a good coach who will get her trained by the best boxing coaches available to develop serious boxing skills. You know she is capable of that, and, if she does it, then she can come back and use her judo, the other MMA skills she has, AND boxing and be the champ again, better than ever. I really hope we see that happen.
In a world of where winning is everything ,Rhondas smile keeps winning !
I have the utmost respect for Ronda. As a woman the same age as her, she has been an inspiring figure to me the past several years. You're a great mom, and this is beautifully put.
"On top of that, Ronda has been part of the USADA drug testing since she was 16 years old, never failed a drug test, always paid her taxes, never been arrested, never been to rehab, has zero divorces, zero DUIs and zero children."
It's funny, my first thought when reading this was: If she ever wants to be President, Ronda's going to have to make some lifestyle changes. Then I saw Trump's tweet that he was happy she lost because she's "not a good person."
I was happy for Amanda to win, she's certainly deserving and will be a great champ. But Ronda was a great champ too and deserves respect for all that she did in MMA. Whether she continues to try to regain the belt or moves on to something else, best wishes to her.
Ronda has no reason to be ashamed. She has no need to impress anyone. You can tell that she is a very competitive individual and that is just fine. She has already accomplished more in her short life than most will ever accomplish in two lifetimes. She has a bright future no matter what path(s)she may choose.
I do believe that her current choice of a coach is a hindrance to her MMA career. I believe that she has went as far as she can under her current coach. I have no doubt that she will evolve into a better fighter if she were to choose a different gym to apply her trade. That being said, I am a fan and I will always be a fan, no matter what.
I wish her the best in life and nothing but good health and success.
She seems to be a great person and I am sure that you are a wonderful mother. You have been a positive light in this young lady's life and it shows. Your wisdom and guidance will insure her success no matter her undertakings.
Sincerely,
-Dennis Quillen
Ronda has no reason to be ashamed. She has no need to impress anyone. You can tell that she is a very competitive individual and that is just fine. She has already accomplished more in her short life than most will ever accomplish in two lifetimes. She has a bright future no matter what path(s)she may choose.
I do believe that her current choice of a coach is a hindrance to her MMA career. I believe that she has went as far as she can under her current coach. I have no doubt that she will evolve into a better fighter if she were to choose a different gym to apply her trade. That being said, I am a fan and I will always be a fan, no matter what.
I wish her the best in life and nothing but good health and success.
She seems to be a great person and I am sure that you are a wonderful mother. You have been a positive light in this young lady's life and it shows. Your wisdom and guidance will insure her success no matter her undertakings.
Sincerely,
-Dennis Quillen
Some praise for you, and some advice for Ronda, from Ray Longo (ignore the video title): https://youtu.be/RANAjM3OMfo
“It’s not your purpose in life to be happy, it’s your purpose in life to leave the world better than how you found it. I’m trying to do that." - Ronda
I respect Ronda because I respect good people. The values of society, especially on social media, will never come close to the values that Ronda possesses. She should be proud of her values for an eternity. I didn't consider her my favorite fighter because she was champion. I consider her my favorite fighter because whether she was giving an interview or talked about in your blog; she always came across very genuine, charismatic and easygoing, and people aren't appreciated for these amazing qualities. She always makes sure that everyone gets a picture at meet and greets, and never brags about her charity work. This is commendable of anyone.
Ronda's character is amazing. Despite her MMA Record or hard work, good people will always respect her for her good values.
Opinion: If she still has a desire to fight, I believe it would be best to try a different camp and fight lower-ranked fighters to try to gain back some momentum and hopefully fight for a championship again.
Fact: No matter what path Ronda would like to take next, she shouldn't change a thing about herself because her values are truly appreciated by many.
I'm not really good at these things but I think Ronda is going to get mass amount of support from fans and people she has inspired and lots of BS from haters. I for one am neither so I'm not going to suffocate her with nonsense and stories on how things blah blah blah. Ronda lost in a bad way and you know what shit happens and I get and understand how winning is like a drug and you want more every time but just like a drug you need to be in control of it or it will destroy you. My guess is Ronda is not looking at any social media and who could blame her but what you need to do is look at it get and get angry and just yell F U to all of it because the way I see it your not getting through this until you run through that fire. You got arrogant and believed yourself untouchable and that lead you to these two major losses and yeah striking with strikers not good and yes that coach is a moron if that was the plan. Have you seen that idiots face when she lost? It looked like he was saying to himself "she lost, and now she's crying....great" looked like a guy who was thinking of all the money he's going to be losing. Obviously he is toxic but whatever. The fear of failure is god awful and I myself have failed a lot because of it and not many people can overcome it and it looked to me that you still needed to get over it. Whether you fight again or not its up to you and do it for you not what everyone else says or feels or wants and all that mush as they say your life your decision. I'll leave you with this, You legacy is already set in stone you are the sole reason women are in the UFC and every woman owes you ( idiot Dana White doesn't know what he is doing half the time and acts like he is so great) I knew women fighters were a good idea way before he decided to do it. If your a champion act like it and stop acting like everything is over cuz it only is if you let it. and if you got something to say back noheart13.cp@gmail.com I don't check it often so don't be waiting
Ann:
Just left this on Disquus:
First off, AnnMarie is hardly unattractive. And for many individuals, who are not 25 any longer, we see stars in our eyes when a woman is willing to fight for her family at all costs... It is a quality that not only makes success, but love past the romance stage...AnnMarie's family is succesful but has had to deal with some shit that tears families apart...We have problems in my family, but if I got caught with a debilitating illness and eventually suicided? I can only hope that the great creator gave my beautiful wife and kids, half of AnnMarie's gumption.
Ronda is worth fighting for because she has a quality that some of us in the same boat recognize...she is hot a conventional achiever and had to do things her way...Some of us, got left back in high school, could never take standerdized tests seriously, but, for example? won paper competitions in our field of graduate study that beat out every individual on an entire coast of the country. When I see Ronda Roussey I still see a stuttering individual who found a way to not only talk, but achieve things most people dream of. I also see myself thrown against the wall by "mrs Shelley" as she tried to wake me up...screaming at me that I did not belong on the slow bus and that I would ruin my life if I didn't take school seriously.
When I see AnnMarie I see a woman who is just as comfortable whooping it up when Ronda won, as walking with her daughter when Ronda had setbacks. People who pour it on personally taking shots at Ronda and her family are pathetic. Yes she is not above reproach for her professional decisions... But one thing for sure is that Ronda has a family that has her back. Thats a rare quality these days. Will Ronda fight again? Who cares, Ronda has set a mark and has the intelligence, capacity and support to do what she wants to... Whether that means working at McDonalds or becoming a champion again is up to Ronda.
AnnMarie you are, like Nunns, also a lioness, protecting something all us parents want to protect. What is so nice is that you are effective. I like to think I am the same way with my two boys, but have never had to deal with the loss of something so precious. You have our love and support and so does Ronda.
Win or lose, Ronda's fans will always love her. I don't know her personally but I know that she's an incredible fighter. It takes a lot to accomplish what she has. It takes a lot of heart, strength and courage. I really hope to see Ronda get the belt back someday. In the meantime I'm rooting for her, whatever comes next.
Amazing words from not only a mother, but a wise competitor! Wished she would have listened to you, but my kids and I are still in her corner!!!
Ronda has changed my life. She has taught me to fight and never give up. She needs to know that all her fans, her real fans are still here for her despite anything the media has to say. She is not only a great athlete but a great human being who has already reached enormous heights and she is not even 30 yet. Tell her I root for her everyday, She is loved and she is a great example of what it is to be a woman. Thank you Ronda and thank you Mrs. Demars for raising such an extraordinary human being.
I think its great all the nice things you said about your daughter and what she has accomplished.to me it doesnt really matter what anyone has to say good or bad.shes RHONDA ROUSEY she has made womans mma what it is today.SHE Made it possible for woman to be employed by ufc.she paved the way for all the big named woman if it wasnt for her we wouldnt know them.i have been a huge fan of hers from the beginning win or lose.even if she has a shitty attitude sometimes.its frickin rhonda rousey!i know she has made it possible for me to enjoy ufc.she may not have the belt and thats ok shes still the champion in my eyes and she will go down in history as the best ufc womans fighter in the world.i respect her more than any other ufc fighter.if she decide to retire it wont be the same.but i will tell you one thing she will never be forgotten.shes the shit.
Very true. Even Nunes took a shot at Ronda pathetic coaches.
Ronda Rousey is a legend, an inspiration and clearly has a heart of gold. We love you Ronda (and her mom)!
Hi Dr Ann Maria, is there any way we can send a message of support to Ronda by some means other than through GFC (which is what some fans have suggested)?
For Ronda: I still believe in you. I will respect whatever decision you make now regarding your career. I am still and will always be a fan. I don't like your coach. I side with your mama on that one. But it has been a joy to watch what you brought to the UFC and women's MMA. You are the reason this all exists. You did this! Not Meisha, not Holly, and not Amanda. You did it and you stood in your own for a long time building it up one brick at a time. Now take time to relax and look back at what your legacy really is: women's MMA and the UFC. That's your legacy and it is a great one. Don't listen to the haters. They've got nothing better to do with their lives. And you still have a lot to do with yours. So live life and live it large girl!!!!
Today I was playing poker with a chatty lady who was beating me every pot and she asked:
"Just how good was Ronda Rousey at fighting?"
Well...
There was a time when Ronda was the most dominate athlete alive. The gold standard.
Over half of adults in this country know her by name. People will tell their children about Ronda and her fights.
Few will remember her critics.
The chatty lady then told us she once saw Ronda beat up three Japanese comedians on a game show but maybe one was a black belt. Someone else brought up how cool Ronda was on Ellen.
The arguing started about if Ronda should keep fighting.
Well... I would absolutely bet on Ronda to get her belt back but I hope she does not pursue this again. Sometimes the price of winning is too high.
To me Ronda is a young woman in the prime of her life. She already has her well earned fortune,fame and legacy.
Why should Ronda spend years of her life doing this again? .. the mandatory camp switch, training like a broke kid whose life depends on it for years more, grinding fight after fight, risking her health and maybe her life on this?
I think there are fun things and great things waiting for Ronda outside of MMA.
Certainly she can eat extra poke and go to more movies. Plus she can keep helping people as she does in all kinds of ways.
When it comes to heart, this woman has been fighting since before she was a teenager and never taped out or said no mas.
But, well, the rest of the game was split on what she should do. Someone started quoting Jon Jones and of course there is something to be said for World class coaching in a place with other elite athletes.
The extra Poke and more movies sounds good to me
... but maybe that is why I will never be a cage fighting Word champion.
oh you didnt really go there about the paying her taxes...
Anastasia from Melbourne again.
It's been 6 days since the fight and I've been listening and reading to so many different opinions on what Ronda should do next.
It'll be difficult as a mum to see your child get hurt, physically but more importantly emotionally, I can't deny that. You remind me of my own mother, tough and a straight to the point.
As a child (33), I want nothing more than my mothers support. Nobody else's support really matters, just hers. I think you should support her coming back into the ring and competing. What we saw last week, wasn't her. Physically, it was the best she ever looked for a match. Emotionally, I didn't feel like it was the Ronda we know.
I think Ronda needs to face her demons in the ring before she can ever leave the ring and go about her life post UFC. I don't want her ever asking what if in her life. Her MMA story shouldn't end like this. I'll be damned if people call her manafactured fighter, a media creation. She's got improvements to make and needs the support of people like you mumma to make it happen! Make her believe in Ronda.
We haven't stopped believing, we won't stop believing. Nothing but love from one Ronda supporter.
Dr Ann Maria,
As a Judoka, I know there are philosophies you have to fighting that don't really run congruent with other martial arts... particularly brawling (striking).
Your mentality is to use your opponents energy to your advantage.
It may be just me, but watching that match made me feel like Ronda was a fish out of water in the way she accepted Amanda Nunes energy.
I know you rarely (if ever) see this but couldn't she have trained to 'catch' Nunes by one of her long arms, when she threw a straight punch? We see martial artists catch kicks all the time.
I'm reminded of when Ronda caught Cat Zingano coming in with the knee. She accepted her energy and pulled her in.
I realize that this isn't a usual tactic to use when faced with a jab/straight. A boxing coach (such as Edmond) would teach to match strike for strike.
Nevertheless, Ronda has such a unique skillset that has always seemed very improvisational.
Instead of counterpunching, why not work on catching the arm??
I thought about this because when I played football I would always catch the arm of any runner who tried to use the stiff arm. It worked every time and I'd pull them to the ground easily.
I know that it's not so easy in MMA, but if Ronda could have worked on catching the arm I feel she would have been able to control Nunes's energy. Given your mastery of judo, I wanted to ask you if such a technique is feasible, and wouldn't it set you up to do what you do best?
If Ronda does fight again, I do hope its with a coach that is innovative in how he puts her skills to work.
Bless you.
I dont mind of you dont publish this mrs. DeMars. But please consider it and maybe get Ronda to consider it.
I know its silly of me to suggest anything to Ronda, someone ive never met or someone who is so far ahead of me in many ways. But i do have something to say, occasionally.
While she is taking a break, thinking about what to do and how to go forward, but before she decides anything, she needs to go and have a talk with Bas Rutten. Without entourage, without anyone else, except maybe you mrs AnnMaria and her sisters.
Sama Bas will receive her, maybe it will take some arranging of schedules but he will. Then the two of them need to take a walk, maybe on some beach or anywhere quiet, and talk. He has something to say that she needs to hear.
Ive just read this article written by him:
https://champions.co/p/bas-rutten-mma-ronda-rousey-ufc-should-look-into-training-with-duane-ludwig-bang-muay-thai/4183326
And although he is suggesting Duane, that is secondary. There is a lot of good or excellent coaches out there to do the work required.
But what she really needs is to go and talk to Bas.
Its not who he suggests, but what he is saying.
Maybe not all of it will be perfect or easily done, like the idea of Ronda even smiling while she makes her walk, but maybe some compromise can be reached in such "details".
This is exactly what every hero in need, when they are at their lowest, most desperate, needs to do.
To go and seek the grand Master and take his wisdom to heart.
Also some ass kicking occasionally but thats all for the better.
It is an old story that may seem like a cliche now, But those stories are told for a reason. After all, it was one grand Master of Judo who taught her most of what she knows, which also included some ass kicking and or surprise armbar ambushes.
Ronda, you need to go and seek great El Guapo. Ask him for the,... audience, talk to him, listen to what he is saying. Just the two of you.
Then decide.
You cant go on carrying the Holly loss and now this second one too, and do what you did before, think like you did before, fight like you did before. Some things cannot be pushed back or under the carpet. The consequences spread through everything you do, not just fighting.
You heart may be broken now, (again), you may feel you are all in pieces. But that is an opportunity. An opportunity to pick up the pieces and build something new out of them. It can be done. It is extremely difficult and only great people manage to build something better.
Bas can help.
He can also check your fundamentals as he likes to say, from time to time, regardless of who you will train with in the future.
Dont miss this opportunity.
I can only wish i had such an opportunity in my time of need.
Go forth, right through that ring of fire. Make yourself better.
This is such a wonderful post. It literally brought tears to my eyes. A Mother's Love is so strong...NOTHING can compare or even come close to this power. You are an absolute inspiration to so many people. I admire your work, thought process, and passion. All the things you have instilled into Ronda and your other 3 daughters. My thoughts and prayers are with Ronda, you, and the rest of your family. I wrote something for Ronda a couple of days ago and wanted to share it with you. Peace and love always.
http://dofitness.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-heros-journey-known-and-unknown.html
If Ronda chooses to keep fighting there are key questions she should ask:
125
How would she feel being the 125 pound UFC champion (?) Dolce has said smart things in the past that favor Ronda's selfintrest.
First Principles
What should she be getting better at and what combination of people are truly best suited to help her?
Family and Day Ones
As Ronda's friend Kayla Harrison point out:
These are the people who will Always set their selfintrest aside for her. They look at Ronda as Ronda and not as a celebrity,fighter or meal ticket.
An inner circle to chat with before big choices.
______
Hey... If Ronda decides to stop fighting, she will have more free time to do fun things like taking
"Family and Day Ones"
out to dinner and movies!
The statement you made about Edmund said it all. I love that you said it before the Holms fight, way before anyone else had the guts to do it publicly. Ronda is loyal and must be very torn, but i really hope she decides to leave ET AND keep fighting. I would love to see her be in a position of strength and choose to end her career, rather then walk away not knowing what else she could achieved had she surrounded herself with coaches that are as talented as she is. I'm sure you both have heard this before, i changed a few pronouns, but i hope she remembers...
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong Woman stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the Woman who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends herself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
THE MAN IN THE ARENA Excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic" 1910 by Theodore Roosevelt.
Risking Brain Damage and Later Life Problems
Ronda has taken more serious head shots than many take in their entire careers.
Her style, up untill her last fight, has been built around Edmond's Never Take A Step Back approach.
She straight lined in, planning to take as many shots as needed to get the upper body clinch. Winning obscured this but a head coach should have been on it. Even maintaining only one level of obtaining the clinch left her more vulnerable.
Contrast this to the responsible deffense of GSP or many others.
Ronda truly went 12-0 with her many years of elite judo/grappling training and heart.
Edmond has failed to produce anything close to the best fighter Ronda could be, but also he has not looked after her safety. Even allowing Ronda to fight Holly with only 44 days notice was a travesty.
I hope Ronda retires but she must move camps if she does not- for her safety as well as to increase her winning chances.
_______
On a different note:
How being knocked out changed Freddie Roach
How Pacquiao and Duran were different
https://t.co/YF4PzpcmUi
Your daughter Ronda is nothing short of a true inspiration. She has shown us passion, commitment, hard work, discipline, integrity, strength, grit, leadership, trail-blazing....
I have three daughters (all of whom are in judo) and I believe it is my job to show them examples of strong women. Ronda, no doubt, is one of them and I'm proud of that. Even with her UFC losses, I'm proud that I've chosen Ronda to be an exmaple for my girls.
For me, the losses are only a reminder that simply, Ronda isn't perfect; and none of us are. These losses are mere hurdles she has to get over in this life and keep. on. going. Furthermore, these losses pale in comparison to her wins and her contributions. They may seem big, but really, they're miniscule in the grand scheme. And for her, that scheme is REALLY GRAND.
What a powerful example she has set for my girls and so, so many others!!!
What is next for Ronda? I don't know. And she may not either. But I sure hope she knows that she is respected by millions and she has changed this world by being the powerful woman that she is.
Thank you Ronda, and thank you Dr. De Mars!
Dear Dr. De Mars,
My name in Brandon Stevens and I live on the Hopi Reservation In Keams Canyon Arizona. I have been a big fan of your daughters, I first saw Ronda on the front page of black belt magazine when she won her silver in the Olympics. I have watched her fights since, all of them. I too am a Martial Artist (more like starving artist lol) I have been in since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I only hold a green belt in Tang Soo Do, but fighting is a passion of mine. I would give anything in the world to train under you and your daughter. When she had her 1st lost last year against Miss Holm, I had written her a letter and the letters were supposed to been delivered to you on Thanksgiving day. I hope that she got all the letters that all of us had sent. Would love to hear from y'all. Tell Ronda to hang in there and keep her head up. She is still the Champ in my book.
Much Love, Much Respect!
Sincerely Yours,
Brandon Stevens
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