Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC Fighter Shared His Honest Opinion on Ronda Rousey’s Criticism of MMA Fans – “They Were Never With You”

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Ronda Rousey entered the UFC in 2013 and changed women’s MMA forever. At UFC 157, she submitted Liz Carmouche with her trademark armbar, which was the promotion’s first female fight. The 2008 Olympic medalist became the inaugural bantamweight champion in the UFC, making history.

Rousey went on to defend the title six times, finishing five fights in the opening round. Her string of victims included Miesha Tate, Sara McMann, and Cat Zingano. Her 12-0 record, star power, and media dominance made her the UFC’s biggest draw. She headlined pay-per-views and proved women could carry cards.

The streak ended in November 2015 with Holly Holm’s head kick KO. One year later, Amanda Nunes starched her in 48 seconds. And after that, Rousey retired at 29 after two devastating losses.

She then jumped to WWE and after a brief stint, he decided to step away from wrestling as she focused on her family.

Ronda Rousey Slams Fickle MMA Fans

Appearing on Bert Kreischer’s Bertcast last week, Rousey unloaded on the MMA community.

“MMA fans are the most ‘what have you done lately’ crowd,” she said. “The second you’re not champion, you’re nothing- and you never were.”

She saved special venom for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s enduring worship, saying, “The only reason MMA fans have their lips so firmly planted at the base of Khabib’s c*** is because he retired before he reached his limit.” Rousey argued fans lack empathy because most have never fought and they don’t grasp how one loss rewires a fighter’s mindset. The clip went viral, splitting the internet between applause and criticism.

Chael Sonnen’s Ice-Cold Reality Check

Chael Sonnen, who was previously an MMA fighter, now retired, dropped a surgical response just days after Rousey’s comments.

“Nobody’s even thinking about you,” Sonnen directed a message towards Rousey. “Nobody has any opinion or love for you or hatred for you, whatsoever.”

He dismantled her betrayal narrative with brutal clarity, basically saying that fans are not friends and they are all consumers chasing the next thrill. “The part you had wrong is when you though they were with you and loved you. They were never with you and never loved you and there’s nothing mean about that. It’s called being a fan.”

Sonnen reminded viewers that Rousey herself has moved on from old favorites, just as crowds did from her. Promoters, media, and supporters all pivot to the hot hand and loyalty is pretty much a one-way street in combat sports.

Chael Sonnen

Ronda Rousey

UFC

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

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