Watch out folks, Ronda Rousey isn’t just capable of those fancy judo throws.
According to the UFC women’s bantamweight champion herself (via USA Today), Rousey is also a dangerous striker as well.
My MMA striking is the best in the game… I’ve reached a certain level of competition where what’s required out of striking to come into the clinch to grapple is a lot more complicated than at the lower levels. It requires much more high-level footwork and striking to be able to use grappling at all.
This comes on the heels of Rousey‘s coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, saying she’s dropping world champion boxers with body shots during her camp.
Rousey‘s striking has been a subject of ridicule ever since she’s come into MMA. Her coach’s (along with her own) outlandish claims that she’s on the level of world-class striking has only furthered the running joke among MMA fans.
I believe a few ladies like Joanne Calderwood and Tecia Torres would have a few things to say about who is the best striker in women’s MMA.
I will give Rousey some measure of credit. If you look at the exact words of her quote, her “MMA striking” is good. Sure, she’s not technical and isn’t going to be slinging leather like a pro-boxer, but her striking is fundamental to what she wants to do.
She swings with bad intentions which either cause damage or get her opponents to cover up. When her opponents cover up, it allows Rousey to close the distance and utilize her judo background.
Rousey‘s confidence is unmatched in the world of MMA (outside of maybe Alistair Overeem’s overconfidence), and it’s good that Rousey‘s camp believe she’s a world-class striker.
Because, at this point, they’re the only ones sipping on that Kool-Aid.
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