Bryant told Rousey loss is ‘a beautiful thing’
Kobe Bryant: “That’s what it’s about. It’s not about how you win. A true champion is about how you lose and come back from that.”
When Ronda Rousey lost her UFC bantamweight title to Holly Holm, a lot of fans, media, and celebs were quick to kick her when she was done. But one sports star who made it a point to reach out and be supportive was Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant:
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Before the loss, Rousey made bold claims that she would retire undefeated and dispatch of all comers. When that didn’t happen, many people piled on, from the likes of Lady Gaga to Donald Trump and more.
Bryant, however, did the opposite. He said he contacted Rousey after the lopsided contest and provided her with an uplifting message.
“I sent her several messages, so yes, we have touched base,” Bryant said. “That’s what it’s about. It’s not about how you win. A true champion is about how you lose and come back from that.
“I told her, ‘It’s a beautiful thing.’ That’s what I told her. I said, ‘To be a true champion sometimes you have to get knocked down.’ It happens to the best of us. It happened with my Achilles (when I tore it), (Muhammad) Ali got put down several times – it happens to the best of us.”
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