GLENDALE, Calif. (AP) — Ronda Rousey is in charge now. The unbeaten bantamweight champion is the biggest star in the UFC, and she could have staged her next title defense anywhere in the world before she moves on to her next acting job or book tour stop or red-carpet appearance.
Rousey decided to fight Brazilian challenger Bethe Correia in a raucous arena at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night.
Challenges don’t scare Rousey. They’re what keep her rocketing along this wild path.
“When I don’t have the home-court advantage, that’s another thing that really keeps me motivated,” said Rousey, who hasn’t fought outside Las Vegas or her native Southern California in three years. “I want the fans to know that even though I’m doing a lot of things, I want to be the most active champion out there as well.”
On Friday, hours after the death of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was announced, Rousey said she would be fighting for the Hall of Fame wrestler who gave her his “Rowdy” nickname. “This one’s for you Roddy…” she posted on Instagram along with a photo of Piper.
Rousey’s journey to Rio is a multifaceted decision designed to reach her goals — just like nearly everything she does.
After traveling the world during her Olympic judo career, she was eager to fight in front of Brazil’s famously intense fans. And after the trash-talking Correia infuriated her with a flippant comment apparently referencing Rousey’s father’s suicide, Rousey decided to beat Correia in the most painful, humiliating way possible, which meant fighting in Correia’s home.
“I think everything up until the suicide comment could have been understandable from a marketing point of view,” Rousey said. “But when she said that is when it really crossed the line and became truly personal for me.”
So Rousey (11-0) spent several weeks plotting the best way to embarrass Correia (9-0), perhaps toying with the bulky Brazilian on the feet before dropping her with a judo throw and dispatching her with a signature armbar. After winning her previous three title defenses in a combined 96 seconds, Rousey wanted something longer and more painful to befall Correia.
Like Babe Ruth pointing his bat at the fence, Rousey is confident she could call her shot.
The only problem is that Rousey’s mother disapproves.
“She chewed me out,” Rousey said. “She wants me to end it as quick as possible still. I promised her that I’m going to be fine. I’m not going to take any damage.”
So Rousey hasn’t decided exactly what she’ll do when the cage door closes, but there aren’t many people left who doubt she can do whatever she wants. Rousey is an overwhelming favorite against Correia, whose best chance seems to be one big punch and a prayer.
Rousey doesn’t shy away from the role of favorite. With an upcoming role in a Mark Wahlberg film and a soaring international popularity, she welcomes the spotlight with confidence.
“Here’s pretty much the plan: I’m going to beat up Bethe,” Rousey said. “Then I’m going to take a couple of weeks to rest. And then I’m going to go beat up Miesha (Tate, her likely next opponent). And then I’m going to go to Thailand, or wherever we decide to film. I’m going to prep for a month and start filming for eight to 10 weeks, and then go beat up the next chick. That’s pretty much my plan.”
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