In the year 2012, Ronda Rousey made history as the first female athlete to join the UFC. Her introduction to the company signaled the start of a powerful period in women’s MMA. Rousey, the first bantamweight champion, went on an unbeaten run until 2015. Her ability to end fights in the first round was likened to how Mike Tyson dominated during his peak.
The decline: Rousey’s devastating defeats
Rousey’s fortunes took a turn after she suffered her first defeat at the hands of Holly Holm, and then faced another loss to Amanda Nunes. These consecutive defeats significantly changed how the public viewed the situation, resulting in strong criticism from supporters. Joe Rogan, a well-known UFC commentator, explored the reasons for this sudden change in opinion.
Joe Rogan stands up for Rousey and McGregor amid severe criticism
In a JRE podcast episode, Rogan talked about the negative reactions towards celebrities like Rousey and McGregor when their unbeatable image is destroyed. Rogan’s observations illuminate the reasons behind this backlash and the motivations driving it. He explained how public perception can quickly turn negative when high-profile athletes face setbacks.
Understanding the critics: Rogan’s perspective
Rogan described how certain segments of the fandom revel in the downfall of once-dominant figures. He emphasized that this behavior often stems from individuals lacking confidence or feeling unaccomplished. “There’s all these people that are waiting for you to fall,” Rogan stated. “They don’t have much confidence, and when they see someone with a lot of confidence, it’s compelling.”
The role of social media in intensifying criticism
Rogan highlighted how social media amplifies this negativity. He noted the ruthless comments on Rousey’s Instagram page as an example. “Some f**king a**holes,” Rogan remarked, referring to the harsh critics. He argued that many of these negative comments come from either young kids unaware of their impact or adults seizing the opportunity to bring someone down.
Rousey’s legacy and continued struggle with fan perception
Despite facing criticism, Rousey’s achievements in the UFC remain impressive. In 2018, she was recognized for her accomplishment of having the highest number of consecutive title defenses in the UFC women’s bantamweight division with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame. However, Rousey has faced continuous criticism from fans in her life after UFC, leading her to feel uncertain about attending UFC events.
Rousey’s emotional toll: a personal confession
In a candid interview on the ‘High Performance’ podcast, Rousey revealed the emotional toll the negativity has taken on her. She expressed feeling vilified by the MMA media and unwelcome in the UFC community. “Everything that could be said that was negative was said,” Rousey confessed. “I feel really vilified by MMA media at this point and not really welcome back.”
The broader impact of public perception on athletes
Rousey’s experience underscores the broader issue of how public perception can swiftly change and affect athletes emotionally. Rogan pointed out that the burden of negativity can overshadow their accomplishments and sacrifices. Rousey’s honest confessions highlight the human aspect of athletics, showing that even the toughest athletes can be affected by public criticism.
