Ronda Rousey has quelled any lingering rumors about a return to mixed martial arts, a sport that catapulted her to worldwide fame. In a candid revelation, she explained her decision, citing the irreversible neurological damage she has sustained over her athletic career.
"It's nice to feel missed, I guess. But it's not happening. I'm not neurologically fit to compete anymore at the highest level. I just can't. You just get to a level where the neurological injuries you take accumulate over time. They don't get better," Rousey stated.
Her departure from MMA in 2016 came after back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. These losses were a poignant end to a career that saw her rapidly ascend from the regional scene to major MMA platforms like Strikeforce and the UFC. However, it wasn’t just these final losses that took a toll. Rousey disclosed that she had been dealing with concussion symptoms for much longer than most realized.
The Accumulation of Injuries
Rousey's battle with concussions began at a startlingly young age. "I started dealing with it at six years old. I started getting concussions much earlier on in swimming. Two kids doing a backstroke in the other direction crack heads or hit the wall doing the backstroke. I started doing judo at a young age and kept getting concussions regularly and multiple times a year and not being allowed to speak up or say anything about it," she recounted.
Her foray into MMA did not mark the beginning but rather the continuation of a harrowing struggle with head injuries. "When I got into MMA, I had already had dozens of concussions that I trained through. Like, not even stopped for. So that was about a decade of having concussion symptoms more often than not." The relentless bout of headshots in MMA only exacerbated her condition. "I got to a point where I couldn't take a jab without getting dazed, without getting concussion symptoms. It just got to a point where it wasn't safe for me to fight anymore. I just couldn't continue to fight at that higher level," she added.
The Culture of Silence
Rousey also shed light on the prevailing culture in contact sports that dissuades athletes from discussing their injuries. "As a fighter, you're not supposed to show any weakness or talk about things like that or the inevitable neurological decline that comes with taking headshots. A lot of people talk about it as if it's making excuses or weakness." This culture, she believes, contributes significantly to the health struggles many athletes face in silence.
Her experience underscores a critical issue within the world of combat sports and other high-impact athletic endeavors: the dire need for improved concussion management and better support systems for athletes. Rousey’s story is an urgent call to action, compelling stakeholders at all levels to re-evaluate the protocols in place for athlete health and safety.
A Legacy Beyond the Octagon
Rousey's influence extends far beyond her record in the octagon. As a former Olympic bronze medalist in judo, she broke barriers and raised the profile of women's fighting significantly. Her prowess and charisma even influenced UFC President Dana White to reconsider his stance on women's participation in the UFC, a testament to her impact on the sport.
Despite stepping away from competitive fighting, Rousey's legacy remains. Her career, marked by both remarkable victories and painful defeats, mirrors the broader struggles athletes face. It also highlights the invisible battles of neurological decline, thrusting the conversation into the public sphere in ways that demand attention and action.
Her decision to speak openly about her neurological issues provides a critical discourse on the subject, offering valuable insights into the often-hidden realities of contact sports. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices athletes make and the ongoing need to ensure their well-being.
In conclusion, Ronda Rousey will not return to the octagon. Her journey, however, continues to inspire and provoke necessary conversations about athlete health, safety, and the cultural changes needed to protect those who entertain and inspire us. By bravely addressing her struggles, Rousey opens the doorway for a progressive dialogue that is long overdue in sports.