Sunday, August 2, 2015

UFC 190: Beautiful Monster

Ronda Rousey is redefining how to be a star athlete. In a sport so brutal, vicious, and bloody, the fact that a woman is headlining pay-per-views as the UFC's biggest star is nothing short of amazing. She is obliterating her opponents, silencing critics, and doing it all without sacrificing her femininity. Gina Carano, MMA's previous "it" girl, faced mostly substandard competition in the now defunct Strikeforce promotion and was driven from the sport after being brutally beaten by Cris "Cyborg" Justino in 2009. No one in the history of combat sports has finished fights as quickly and consistently on this big a stage and has looked as fabulous doing it. Mike Tyson, I hear, is a big fan.
Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images 
 She has captured that rare combination of beauty and talent that only a select few female athletes approach. Her closest analogue in the modern era is Serena Williams, a woman who own dominance has similarly pushed her to the top of her traditionally male dominated sport. Granted, Rousey doesn't have to deal with many of the racially motivated criticisms that Serena does but she has legitimately earned her spot among the UFC's and the sportsworld's elite.
Left to Right: Shafir, Rousey, Duke, Baszler Photo via mixedmartialarts.com

Her latest victim, Bethe Correia was undefeated before Saturday's bout, scoring decisive wins over 2 members of  Rousey's unofficial "4 Horsewomen" clique, Jessamyn Duke and Shayna Bazsler.  Correia wanted to make the fight personal, perhaps in an attempt to throw the champion off her game. By flashing the famous "4"  and lowering one finger after each victory, she clearly wanted to send a message.  Correia even crossed the line by commenting on Rousey's history with drug abuse and making light of her father's suicide. The message was received and judging by how quickly their fight ended, we can add "play mind games" to the list of things not to do if you want to beat her.


Cris "Cyborg" Justino  Photo: Esther Lin
The truly amazing part of all this is that she has managed to do this without falling into the pitfalls that many star athletes struggle to avoid. She has not been in trouble with the law, and though she has admitted past drug use, she has been sober for over 5 years.  She seems at ease in front of the camera, showing no fear of the spotlight. She routinely says exactly what's on her mind, most recently calling out boxing's pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather on his domestic violence issues. The only thing that can seemingly stop Ronda at this point is Ronda. Even she has wondered if she can physically keep up the pace at which she takes fights. She has admitted that she may burn herself out as she did when she competed in judo. So far, however, she has shown no signs of slowing down.  Her next fight will almost certainly be a 2nd rematch with Meisha Tate, who Rousey has already beaten twice by armbar submission.  At best Tate is a place holder while the much anticipated superfight with Invicta Women's Featheweight Champion Cris "Cyborg" Justino is worked on. 

Despite fears that the UFC will run out of quality opponents for her to face, her legend continues to grow.  Previously unknown female fighters from every corner of the sport will look to boost their visibility by challenging Rousey and her story has crossed into the mainstream.  My wife, who doesn't follow MMA at all not only knows who Ronda Rousey is but when she's fighting next.  She's a joy to watch and her journey has our attention whether you're a fight fan or not.  Women like this aren't common.  Athletes like this aren't common.  She's in her prime, at the top of her sport, and that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon.  Fight like a girl, Ronda.  
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