Ronda Rousey isn’t someone who easily forgets what’s been said about her.
Back at the final press conference ahead of her return fight, she didn’t hesitate to respond to Khamzat Chimaev after he criticised some of her recent statements.
There have been moments in the build-up to May 16 when Rousey’s showed the same intensity and edge that fans have always associated with her.
And while she still holds several accolades, her career has often been scrutinised. She hasn’t taken that negativity lightly either, as is clear from her exchanges leading up to this event.
During the build-up to Netflix’s first MMA event, Ronda Rousey was called out for how she’s responded to setbacks throughout her career.
Speaking at the final press conference, she acknowledged the complicated relationship with fans and apologised if it ever seemed like she didn’t value their support.
Still, Rousey hasn’t been quick to let go of past remarks, something highlighted by her recent words directed at Demetrious Johnson.
Rousey said during an interview with All the Smoke when asked to choose between Johnson and Nate Diaz. “I was totally cool about you, and I put you over, and you said some nasty about me.”
This referred back to an interview Johnson gave after Rousey’s second straight loss in the Octagon. When asked by Sports Illustrated how he would handle not breaking Anderson Silva’s title defence record, Johnson pointed to how Rousey had managed her defeats.
“You look at Ronda Rousey. You got your beat, grow up,” he said. “It happens. It’s mixed martial arts… Grow up. Look, Ronda, you lost two fights in a row, and you made more money than the women’s roster. You’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it.”
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