“I Love Judo. And I Want to Do Judo”: Ronda Rousey Narrated How One Incident at “Dunkin Donuts” Changed Her Life
Ronda Rousey is a household name in the world of martial arts. Her story is one of grit, determination, and passion. Born to a family of athletes, Rousey has made a name for herself as a judoka, mixed martial artist, and professional wrestler. Here, we will take a closer look at Ronda’s journey to judo stardom and how one incident at a Dunkin’ Donuts changed her life forever.
Ronda Rousey: The Queen of MMA
Ronda Rousey is widely regarded as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, with a record of 12 wins and only 2 losses. She made history by becoming the first woman to sign with the UFC and the first woman to win a UFC title. Her dominance in the sport led to her being dubbed “The Queen of MMA.”
Early Life and Introduction to Judo
Ronda Rousey was born on February 1, 1987, in Riverside, California. Her mother, AnnMaria De Mars, was a world judo champion, and her father, Ron Rousey, was a high-level amateur wrestler. Growing up, Rousey was exposed to martial arts from a very young age. At just 11 years old, she began training in judo under the tutelage of her mother. By the age of 16, Rousey had already won a gold medal at the Junior World Championships.
The Importance of Judo in Ronda’s Life
Judo has been a significant part of Ronda Rousey’s life. In a 2015 interview with ESPN, Rousey said, “I love judo, and I want to do judo forever.” Judo has taught Rousey many life lessons, including discipline, perseverance, and humility. It has also helped her develop the mental toughness and physical strength necessary to become a successful athlete.
The Incident at Dunkin’ Donuts
In 2012, Ronda Rousey’s life changed forever when she got into an altercation with a man at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Los Angeles. According to Rousey, the man was berating her and her friends, and when she confronted him, he pushed her. Rousey responded by throwing him to the ground and holding him in an armbar until the police arrived. The incident made headlines around the world and showcased Rousey’s skills as a judoka.
Ronda Rousey’s Rise to Fame in Mixed Martial Arts and Professional Wrestling
After a successful judo career, Ronda Rousey turned her attention to mixed martial arts (MMA). In 2012, she signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), becoming the first female fighter to do so. Rousey quickly rose to fame, winning her first six fights by armbar submission. She became the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and defended her title six times before suffering her first loss to Holly Holm in 2015.
In 2018, Ronda Rousey made her debut in professional wrestling, signing with WWE. She quickly became one of the company’s biggest stars, winning the Raw Women’s Championship and headlining WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Rousey has since taken a break from wrestling to start a family but has left her mark as one of the most successful and influential women in combat sports history.
Conclusion
Ronda Rousey’s journey to judo stardom is a testament to the power of passion and hard work. Her success in judo, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling has inspired countless fans around the world. While one incident at a Dunkin’ Donuts may have changed her life forever, it was Rousey’s dedication to judo that laid the foundation for her incredible career.
American Judoka Ronda Rousey won the 2008 Olympic bronze medal in Beijing and 2007 World Championships finallist U70kg. After judo she became MMA Superstar and acted in Expendables 3, Entourage and Furious 7. The 2004 World Junior Champ in judo. Rousey gave her UFC 190 belt to Flavio Canto’s school.