Mixed martial arts has continued its rise to international popularity. Organizations like the UFC promote engaging superstar fighters who enable the sport to contend with other outlets like the NFL, MLB, NBA and boxing.
From Jon Jones to Conor McGregor, the promotion possesses ultra-radiant athletes young enough to carry the MMA torch for years to come.
But even the most elite fighters in the most stacked divisions encounter in-cage challenges that prove to be steep professional tests.
However, on the wings of combat perfection, undeniable beauty and unscripted Octagon dominance, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey exceeds even the most lofty of expectations. Her demonstrated worth to the company and the movement for women’s MMA has come full circle following four victories (all finishes) in two years under the Zuffa banner.
Rousey‘s wall of decimated challengers feature the likes of Miesha Tate, Sara McMann, Liz Carmouche and Alexis Davis, who combined to last only six rounds with the champ.
Now while her record merely stands at 10-0, which is a relatively low amount of fights, Rousey‘s dominant reign is undeniable—a true masterpiece of divisional cleansing that maybe only UFC flyweight kingpin Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson can equate to.
And to think that her legacy and untouchable aura stands to grow should she win again opposite Cat Zingano at UFC 184 on February 28.
Heck, UFC President Dana White even joked on Fox Sports 1 that Rousey will have to start fighting men if she beats Zingano, per a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Marc Raimondi.
While that’s an unsanctioned road the UFC would never dare traverse, White’s humorous prod reminds us that there may be no one left for Rousey to fight.
Names like Gina Carano and Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino certainly spark interest, but they’re unlikely to sign with the promotion anytime soon. And with an overzealous Bethe Correia and an inexperienced Holly Holm making up the short list of future title contenders, Rousey could be on the fast track to an inescapable limbo.
Because no matter how prolific she remains inside of the cage, her success will ultimately drive her to a life of movies, magazines and money sooner than expected.
So for the UFC’s sake and fight fans alike, the most polarizing female athlete in the world today needs a new Batman to her Joker, not the usual Tate soap opera or the powerful wrestler who “might have what it takes.”
Luckily, Zingano represents all of that. As one of the best finishers in the division, one who is powerful and lean, the undefeated 32-year-old is the division’s last chance to even the playing field and prove that an unworldly champion can look mortal.
If she fails, Rousey will ascend the MMA ranks and command a spot among the sport’s Top Five pound-for-pound fighters.
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