Chael Sonnen says he’s sick of seeing Ronda Rousey hit mitts.
Several personalities have been weighing in on Ronda Rousey’s situation, and what she could do to possibly get back on track if she decides to return. Many have said that she needs to replace Edmond Tarverdyan, while others like Jon Jones say Rousey should just join a bigger team and not necessarily change her head coach.
As for Chael Sonnen, the former UFC contender turned analyst simply states that Rousey should already be back in training by now, and she should do much more than just hit the pads.
“What are we going to do differently in the gym? Are we going to spar more? I don’t need to see (Ronda Rousey) hit one of those goddamn mitts,” Sonnen said on his You’re Welcome podcast. “I’m so sick of seeing her hit mitts, and do sit ups on the side.
“It’s very fun, and it’s what boxercise is. It’s a great workout if you’re looking to lose weight and stay in shape. If you’re looking to go into combat, you need a person standing in front of you.
“It’s a good supplement workout. It’s like crossfit. It’s like running. That’s a great supplemental low impact workout. But that’s what it is. You don’t train on the mitts, you workout on the mitts” he said. “We’ve got to stop on all of that. It’s a workout. It’s a warm up!”
UFC’s Jon Anik and Kenny Florian have also stated that they heard Rousey didn’t spar enough during this camp. It’s something that Ronda’s camp has denied, but it has continued to be an interesting talking point during this high profile loss.
Sonnen also stated that while he doubts Rousey can ever bridge the gap and beat Amanda Nunes, there’s no shame in continuing her career and being among the top 10.
“I get it. I’ll concede that the title chances are over. But as far as the marketing, and the opportunities, and going back out there and being one of the gals as one of the top 10 — which is a very meaningful thing — those days aren’t over, if she’s in the gym.
“I’m saying she’s got a place. It isn’t at the top, but it is still very high. Let’s get her a different opponent.”