As the MMA community progresses towards UFC 157, we will continue to learn more about the camps of both Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche. While both fighters are now well-known, only time will tell if they have any staying power within the sport.
One man who knows Rousey just about as well as anybody is “Judo” Gene LeBell. LeBell has been around the world of martial arts for most of his life and has crossed paths with some of the most decorated people in the sport.
LeBell shed some light on his relationship with Rousey in a recent interview with Fighters.com.
“I’ve known Ronda long before she knew who I was. I knew her mother, who was a very good judo person.”
LeBell also touched on how tough Rousey actually is, even when she goes up against male opponents.
“Ronda beats a good percentage of the men who are bigger than her — and good ones, too.
“She doesn’t fool around. There’s no sitting down and signing autographs. It’s all business to her.”
It’s no secret that Rousey‘s game plan is to weather an initial storm by Carmouche and look for an opportunity to take her down. One has to wonder if Rousey relies too heavily upon one technique and how long the armbar will allow her to remain the UFC champion.
While LeBell believes Carmouche is a formidable opponent, he also says the challenger “should give a good fight for about 30 seconds.”
Rousey has shot up the popularity charts due in large part to her demeanor in front of the media. You all know by now that she says what’s on her mind and continues to act as if she is one notch above everyone else.
LeBell believes this is exactly why she’s going to continue winning her fights.
“Nothing bothers her. She’s got icewater running in her veins. She doesn’t give a damn about pressure. She’s a sadistic wench.”
Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche headline UFC 157 on February 23 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
Joe Chacon is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report and a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @JoeChacon.
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