After almost a decade-long absence, Ronda Rousey returned to MMA earlier this year against Gina Carano. In a fight lasting a mere few seconds, Rousey defeated Carano and retired from the sport.
Once regarded as one of the best women's MMA athletes in the world, Rousey suffered a few brutal losses in the final stages of her UFC career before switching careers and joining WWE. Recently, Rousey's former opponent Miesha Tate expressed her appreciation for Rousey over a decade after their classic rematch.
Tate and Rousey faced each other twice during their iconic careers, with Tate losing both encounters by submission. Tate’s loss to the notorious arm bar with just 33 seconds remaining in the first round was a rare exception in Rousey’s career. Their rematch concluded bitterly when Tate's handshake offer after losing was refused by Rousey.
However, despite their rumored tension, Tate has nothing but respect for Rousey now. In a recent post on her social media, former UFC champion Miesha Tate opened up about her feelings on Rousey.
“I’m a former UFC champion and here’s what I think about Ronda.” She proceeded to write below the reel: “People still ask me about her more than almost anything else. Here’s the honest answer.
“We didn’t like each other. That was real. But she pushed me harder than anyone in my career. Losing to her twice forced me to become a more complete fighter, and I don’t think I win the belt without going through that,” she wrote. “She also helped put women’s MMA on the map. Every woman fighting in the UFC today owes something to that era. Rivals can make you better, if you let them.”
Article Continues BelowWhile Rousey did not share a pleasant bond with many, not many can argue about her contributions to women's combat sports and the rise of the women's division in the UFC.