In the lead up to UFC 207, Rousey didn’t do any official press. She didn’t touch gloves with Nunes before the fight.
When the fight was over she left the arena immediately without speaking to anyone or being a gracious loser. She released a statement to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN one of the few people in media she has spoken to.
Here is what she had to say.
“I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me,” Rousey said in a statement provided to ESPN.
“Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes — even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly — it doesn’t work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women’s division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda.
“I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding.”
She sort of gives Nunes credit, but not totally, but something is better than nothing.
I have never been one to tell an athlete when to retire, if Rousey wants to keep fighting that is her prerogative.
Rousey’s place in UFC history has been cemented, she was one of their few crossover stars and brought tons of money and attention to the sport.
If she walked away no one would blamed her and there are plenty of things she can do to stay relevant. One thing Rousey has to understand though is that life is about ups and downs, you can’t accept all the praise then be upset when people critique you when you lose.
If she wants to build herself back up to an elite fighter, i’d suggest taking a soft touch if she chooses to comeback. Her confidence is broken and needs to built back up.
Hopefully, she has learned as Jay Z taught me only so long fake thugs can pretend.