Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
As UFC 168 unfolded Saturday night, fans saw pretty much what they expected out of Ronda Rousey as she took on Miesha Tate for the belt. The fight was controlled by Rousey for nearly ever second, and when it was all said and done, Rousey ended it with an arm bar. The only unexpected part of the outcome was that it took Rousey into round three to put Tate to rest.
The fight was a fantastic fight, and Tate held her own — meaning, she took a beating but took it well. Following the loss though, all of the talk was about another questionable act from the champion.
After the fight was called due to Tate’s tap out, Tate extended her hand toward Rousey in order to give her credit for the victory. To no one’s surprise, Rousey turned her back and walked in the opposite direction, clearly wanting nothing to do with Tate’s gesture. Joe Rogan asked Rousey after the fight why she did what she did, and Rousey had this to say:
“I need to commend and congratulate Miesha, she’s an amazing fighter she really is. It’s just once you insult my family, I can’t shake your hand, but I really respect her and she did an amazing job tonight.”
Rousey went on about her decision not to shake hands.
“For me, family comes before anything, even the boos or cheers of the crowd. I feel like it would disrespect what she’s done to my family if I shook her hand. I can’t shake the hand of someone that spits on my back.”
The insults, Rousey is speaking of, came on the latest edition of the hit series The Ultimate Fighter, in which Tate disrespected many in Rousey’s inner circle including coaches, thus igniting a mutual dislike between the two that would continue into their inevitable battle in the octagon.
For some, Rousey’s antics are too much. Many don’t like her attitude and for that, they don’t think she deserves what she’s worked so hard for. But, it’s just who she is. After all, her walkout song is “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett. She obviously does not care what people think of her, nor should she, to be quite honest.
Rousey is the best there is. It’s that simple. She’s as close to perfect in what she does as any female fighter could be right now. The fact that Tate lasted as long as she did is a miracle, because Rousey executed nearly everything in that fight to the best it could have been done. She absolutely dominated the fight in every aspect. Sure, Tate got a few shots in there, but Rousey was in control without a doubt. Whether the fight was standing or on the ground, Rousey knew that she could direct Tate’s body wherever she wanted in the blink of an eye.
For anyone to question her behavior or attitude is expected. It’s understandable. But, the fact is, she’s untouchable at the moment. There is nobody in the realm of female fighters that can come close to beating her, for now. So, love her or hate her, “Rowdy Ronda Rousey” is the undisputed champion of the world, and deservingly so.
Ryan Heckman is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanmheckman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
