By In a recent podcast appearance, UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey delved into her strained relationship with UFC commentator Joe Rogan and other members of the MMA media, expressing her disappointment and frustration with their criticism of her handling of losses towards the end of her UFC career.
Rousey, widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, paved the way for women’s MMA in the promotion and headlined the UFC’s first all-female main event, securing the bantamweight championship at UFC 157 with a victory over Liz Carmouche.
However, since retiring from MMA, Rousey has been candid about the challenges she faced towards the end of her fighting career, citing her history of concussions and other health issues as contributing factors to her losses against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.
Joe Rogan, known as the longest-tenured UFC broadcaster, has offered commentary on Rousey’s UFC exit on several occasions. During a 2018 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan hinted at Rousey’s skillset being one-dimensional, sparking further discussion and critique.
In her recent podcast appearance, Rousey expressed her disappointment in Rogan and other MMA media figures, highlighting how quickly they turned on her despite their previous support. She described the experience as a catalyst for her to separate others’ perceptions of her from her own self-perception, realizing that she had become too focused on external validation.
Rousey also addressed what she perceives as the MMA media’s disdain towards her, accusing them of refusing to give her credit and dismissing her admissions about her health struggles as mere excuses. Despite her frustrations, she acknowledged that the experience has helped her grow and become more grounded in her own identity.
While Rousey’s memoir, “Our Fight,” and her revelations about her concussions have not been directly addressed by Rogan, she remains skeptical about the possibility of reconciliation with him or other members of the MMA media.
Since retiring from MMA, Rousey has transitioned to professional wrestling in WWE and has firmly shut down any speculation about a potential return to fighting. As for her relationship with Rogan, it remains uncertain whether they will reconcile in the future, as Rousey’s comments suggest she is not expecting any immediate resolution.
