She’s disposed of every opponent she’s faced with relative ease, but believe it or not, UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey claims that she’s had just one functional leg since joining the UFC.
On Wednesday’s episode of UFC Tonight, which aired roughly five weeks after her fourth knee surgery, Rousey said fans can finally expect a healthy version of the former two-time Olympic judoka in her next bout.
This is actually my fourth knee surgery and my third scope. … It’s going to be pretty scary when I come back 100 percent because I’ve been operating with one leg, pretty much, for a couple of years now. Now I’ve gotten to the point where my range of motion and everything is better than it’s been since I was 16 years old. When I’m 100 percent back, I feel… No, I don’t feel sorry for people, ever. Actually, never mind.
Injury woes have done little to slow Rousey down since the 27-year-old turned pro in the spring of 2011.
“Rowdy” has amassed a 10-0 record in the span, finishing seven foes with first-round armbars and another with a third-round armbar. Rousey has won by first-round KO/TKO in each of her last two bouts.
Although UFC matchmakers have yet to determine her next opponent, Rousey said she would like to fight on the Jan. 3 card that includes the light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.
Rowdy also sounded off on the notion of fighting the likes of Gina Carano, UFC newcomer Holly Holm and top-ranked women’s bantamweight Cat Zingano.
The first women’s MMA match I ever saw was Gina Carano, and I’ve always wanted to fight her since that very day. Not in a malicious sense, out of respect for what she does. I’d love to measure myself against her. Also, I’m very excited about the UFC signing boxing world champion Holly Holm, and I’m very much looking forward to Cat Zingano…now coming back and being ready to fight again. So, all three of them, I’m looking forward to fighting all of them.
Rousey then offered some insight on the idea of locking horns with Invicta FC featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino.
“I’m down to fight her at any moment. If she walked in here right now, I’d push kick her with a heel,” Rousey said.
Carano hasn’t fought since losing her Strikeforce featherweight strap to Justino in August 2009. Zingano had surgery done on both of her knees following a TKO win over Miesha Tate in April 2013, and Justino hasn’t tasted defeat since her pro debut in May 2011.
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