Ronda Rousey has broken down barriers in the world of MMA as UFC’s biggest draw, and now she is looking to do the same as it relates to the body image of women in the media.
The 28-year-old superstar has a growing presence in the realm of Hollywood thanks to her roles in hits like The Expendables 3 and Furious 7. While big parts in blockbuster movies often seem to go to women with what some might call idealistic body types, Rousey is helping to diversify that medium.
Rousey hasn’t shied away from showing off her muscular physique in publications like ESPN The Magazine‘s Body Issue and Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Edition. According to Sheila Marikar, “Rowdy” is hopeful that doing so will inspire other women and prevent them from being self-conscious about their looks:
If I can represent that body type of women that isn’t represented so much in media, then I’d be happy to do that. When women say that going on publications directed at men is somehow demeaning, I don’t think that’s true. I think that’s one really effective way to change the societal standard women are held to.
The UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion also made mention of a fitting for a photo shoot at which she was criticized for her weight. That prompted her to purposely show up heavier at the shoot, and this strong warning from perhaps the most dangerous woman in the world, per Marikar:
“I swear to God, if anyone calls me fat one more time in my life, I’m going to kill them,” Rousey said.
The 5’7″ Rousey, who told Marikar that her preferred weight is 148 pounds, is on a mission to gain mainstream acceptance for all women regardless of how they look.
In addition to that, she wants to ensure that women are judged based on what they accomplish above all else, according to Marikar:
We seem to be in this conflicting era for women, where women are doing so amazingly and taking over the athletic world, but we’re also in a time where …. How can I really put it? That women without any skills that freeload are being glorified. That’s something I was raised not to be. That you’re supposed to contribute to the world, not consume from it.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in judo has only been in MMA since 2011, but it can be argued that she is already one of the most dominant female athletes of all time.
Few have ever posed a threat to her perfect 12-0 record, and it isn’t likely that Holly Holm will either when they meet at UFC 193 in Australia on November 14.
Rousey is an inspiration to both women and men due to her athletic performances, and if she continues to thrive, then she may very well change the way society views women as a whole if she hasn’t already.
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