Rousey: I Saved Women's MMA, Cyborg Was 'Cheating Ass B*tch'

Ronda Rousey, a trailblazer in women's mixed martial arts (MMA), has claimed she felt a responsibility to save the division when UFC acquired Strikeforce in 2011. Rousey, who was only two fights into her career at the time, believed that women's MMA was in jeopardy, citing the lack of interest following Gina Carano's departure and the presence of Cris Cyborg, whom she labelled a "cheating ass b*tch".

"People forget how fragile that situation was," Rousey told Chris Van Vliet in a recent interview. "Strikeforce was the only organisation showcasing women, and that was because of Gina Carano. When she was gone, everything tanked. The division was dying. UFC bought Strikeforce, and it was assumed they'd absorb the male talent and fold the whole organisation."

Rousey, who was signed by Strikeforce to replace Carano, acknowledged the pressure she felt to make a lasting impact. "I knew the clock was ticking," she said. "I had to make sure Dana White couldn't go a single day without seeing my name somewhere."

Her strategy worked, as her captivating personality and dominant performances propelled her to superstardom, ultimately convincing White to incorporate women's MMA into the UFC. However, Rousey remained cautious even after the UFC's commitment to the division.

"At the beginning, women only had one division, and it was dependent on me," she explained. "I don't know what would have happened if I retired undefeated, because they've already closed the [145-pound] division."

Rousey, reflecting on her legacy, believes fighters, both men and women, need to understand that their job goes beyond just competing. "You have to promote your fight as hard as you train for it," she stressed. "You have to be a character, make your fights into a story. A lot of people just think of it as a bother."

Rousey's comments come as a response to the recent controversy surrounding Cyborg's alleged steroid use. While Rousey's accusations were directed at Cyborg's past, they have reignited a long-standing feud between the two fighters.

Cyborg has since responded to Rousey's remarks, reiterating her stance on the matter, but declining to engage in further public arguments. The situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding performance-enhancing drugs in combat sports, as well as the responsibility fighters have to promote themselves and the sport.