Former UFC bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey has spoken out after her defeat yesterday at the hands of Amanda Nunes, at what was meant to be her triumphant return to the Octagon.
Rousey did not do any press before the bout, per a deal she had previously struck with UFC president Dana White, and she also chose not to attend the post-fight press conference, leading some to accuse her of poor sportsmanship.
Given that her big comeback turned out to be a bust, many speculated that Rouse’s time in the UFC might be done, including Nunes, who taunted her opponent after the fight, telling journalists “that’s it for her.”
In a statement released earlier today, Rousey indicated that she plans to take some time off and “reflect” on her future. She said:
I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes – even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly – it doesn’t work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women’s division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda.I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding.
Rousey’s mother, former judoka star Ann Maria DeMars, told media on Friday that she wants to see her daughter bow out of the sport, saying:
I would like to see her retire. I would have liked to have seen her retire a long time ago. Who wants to see their kid get hit? She’s got a lot of talent to do other things. Movies, writing, producing. She’s really, really smart. I told her at the very beginning when she started this. I said, ‘You’re smart and beautiful. Let the stupid people get punched in the face.’
Rousey has appeared in movies like Fast & Furious 7 and Entourage, and is currently attached to star in a remake of the 1989 classic Road House.
Source: Yahoo Sport.
Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty.
