Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey just released her first statement since suffering a devastating TKO loss to Amanda Nunes in the main event of UFC 207 on December 30 in Las Vegas.
Here is what Rousey said in a statement to ESPN following the loss:
“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,” Rousey stated. “Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.
“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.”
Amanda Nunes defeated “Rowdy” with relative ease at the promotions final event of 2016, UFC 207. “The Lioness” battered Rousey with punches early and often in their main event title fight before the referee mercifully stepped in to stop the contest at the :48 second mark of the very first-round.
The loss marked Rousey’s second setback in a row, as she has previously suffered a brutal head kick knockout loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November of 2015.
Prior to the losses, Ronda Rousey (12-2 MMA) was riding a twelve-fight win streak with eleven of those twelve victories coming by way of first-round stoppages.
What do you think is next for the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion of the world and mixed martial arts icon Ronda Rousey? Sound off PENN Nation!