*This content was translated by AI.
Ronda Rousey (39), a pioneer of the UFC women's division and a global star, is set to return to the octagon 10 years after leaving it. She has finally revealed the reason for her past retirement.
The UK's 'The Independent' reported on the 11th (Korean time) ahead of Rousey's comeback bout, covering her prime, her fall, and the hidden behind-the-scenes story.
Rousey is scheduled to face another legend, Gina Carano, on the 16th at the Intuit Dome in California, U.S.
In an interview, Rousey openly disclosed the pressure she felt during her championship days and the decisive reason that led her to decide on retirement.
She recalled her prime as "unending madness." At the time, she moved between Strikeforce and the UFC, winning 12 consecutive fights and dominating as an undefeated champion by ending most matches within a minute. Rousey confessed, "I felt like I was carrying the entire women's division and the combat sports industry on my own," and added, "I kept going by digging out the well of motivation every day until it ran dry."
Rousey, who was on an unbeaten streak, suffered a shocking KO loss to Holly Holm in 2015. Since no one expected Holm to win, this is considered the biggest upset in UFC history. After losing to Holm, Rousey disappeared from the public eye for a year. Pushed by public expectations, she faced Amanda Nunes in a comeback bout but was knocked out again in just 50 seconds. The public criticized Rousey's arrogant attitude and mocked her downfall.
However, Rousey was suffering from serious neurological issues at the time. She confessed, "Every time I took a hit, I lost my vision, sense of distance, and cognitive abilities." She determined this was the cumulative aftermath of concussions. She also admitted that during the fight with Holly Holm, a faulty mouthguard caused her to lose her vision after her teeth were shaken by the first punch.
Rousey was completely exhausted by the pressure at the time. Believing she could no longer compete safely at the highest level, she ultimately chose to retire. However, fearing that WWE (U.S. professional wrestling), which had previously faced controversy over concussion allegations, might hesitate to sign her, she thoroughly concealed her health issues from the public.
Recently, after undergoing a detailed examination at the Cleveland Clinic arranged by UFC president Dana White, Rousey confirmed a new fact. It was revealed that the true cause of her past symptoms was not concussion but migraine. Currently taking preventive medication for migraines and resuming training, Rousey has fully regained her interest in health and combat sports through sparring.
Finally set to hold her comeback bout, Rousey stated, "In the past, I was obsessed only with results, so training wasn't enjoyable, but now I find joy in the martial art itself."
She also expressed her conviction regarding the conflicting public gaze directed at her. Rousey emphasized, "I don't expect everyone to agree with my opinion," and added, "Being loved is not my job; my job is to make people watch my fights."
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*This content was translated by AI.
