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Why did Ronda Rousey retire from UFC?
TL;DR
Ronda Rousey retired from the UFC at age 29 after consecutive knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Her decision was influenced by a history of concussions.
Key points
- Ronda Rousey is a UFC legend and trailblazer.
- She retired at age 29 after two knockout losses.
- Her retirement was influenced by a history of concussions.
Ronda RouseyHolly HolmAmanda Nunes
Ronda Rousey is more than a UFC legend.
She's the first woman to sign with the promotion, the inaugural Women's Bantamweight Champion and a trailblazer who put her sport on the map by dominating her first 12 fights. It's a wholly unique and spectacular career.
It ended shorter than most expected, however. Rousey retired from the UFC at age 29 a decade ago. The decision came after back-to-back knockout losses by the hands of Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.
Rousey stepped away from the limelight shortly after that period, but in the years following, she opened up about how a lengthy concussion history led to her choice.
"I'd like people to understand my reasons and motivations behind things," Rousey said in a 2024 Instagram Live, per ESPN. "I was forced to leave fighting when I was faster, stronger, more skilled and had a better understanding of the art than ever before. It was a really hard decision to understand, one that my body made for me."
After leaving the UFC, Rousey enjoyed massive success in the WWE and appeared as an actor in movies such as Furious 7. She also runs a ranch with her husband, ex-UFC fighter Travis Browne, in Oregon. Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.
Now, Rousey is returning to MMA to face Gina Carano, who last fought 17 years ago. Their much-anticipated bout will take place tonight on Netflix.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why did Ronda Rousey retire from UFC?
Q&A
What were the reasons behind Ronda Rousey's retirement from UFC?
Ronda Rousey retired due to back-to-back knockout losses and a lengthy history of concussions.
How old was Ronda Rousey when she retired from the UFC?
Ronda Rousey was 29 years old when she retired from the UFC.
Who were Ronda Rousey's last opponents before her retirement?
Ronda Rousey's last opponents before her retirement were Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.