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What’s the story?
Though Ronda Rousey’s current focus is said to be her WWE career, the former UFC Champion’s legacy in MMA has earned her a spot in the International Sports Hall of Fame.
In case you didn’t know
Rousey rose to fame as an MMA fighter competing in Strikeforce and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She went undefeated in her first 12 fights and captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. She had six successful title defenses before suffering 2 defeats in a row and retiring from competition.
The heart of the matter
The following is the full list of athletes announced for the 2018 ISHOF by its chairman, Robert Goldman:
Ronda Rousey-UFC World Champion, Movie Star-('The Expendables 3', 'Entourage')
Bas Rutten-UFC World Heavy Weight Champion, UFC Hall of Fame & Movie Star
Phil Keoghan-'The Amazing Race'-Host, World bungee jumping record
Dr Terry Todd/Dr Jan Todd-World Powerlifting Champions/Arnold Strong Man Competition
Prior to her experience in UFC and Strikeforce, Rousey gained experience as a fighter competing in several tournaments and judo competitions which lead to her winning several medals and championships in the International Judo Federation and USA Judo.
She’s also won a multitude of awards and broke countless records in the UFC. Rousey is a two-time winner of Best Female Athlete ESPY Award and a three-time winner of the Female Fighter of the Year from the World MMA Awards.
What’s next?
Rousey is set to make her second appearance as a WWE Superstar this Sunday when she signs her WWE contract in the presence of Stephanie McMahon; likely to lay the foundation for their rumored WrestleMania match.
Author’s take
Rousey’s legacy in MMA continues to grow even in the midst of her retirement. Whether this is the last of her MMA legacy that receives recognition outside of WWE remains to be seen.
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