ESPN’s Playbook recently had a few minutes to talk with Rousey.
Lynn Hoppes: Women’s MMA has gotten very popular in the past year or so. Now the president of UFC might be on board. Do you ever think we’ll come to the day when women fight men?
Ronda Rousey: “No. It’s a lose-lose situation. I’ve fought guys before when I competed in judo. I had to take it so seriously. If I lost, I would be losing for all women. I was never happy fighting men. And they were never happy fighting me — because they mostly lost. I think the women’s game is on the rise. The ball needs to keep rolling. After Laila Ali left women’s boxing in 2007, it all went downhill. There were no next wave of girls ready to take over and keep it going. I try not to put pressure on myself in my sport. I’m doing the best I can. I’m just hoping to make it easier for others after me. I’m trying to make the sport as big as I can.”
LH: You were great at judo, winning an Olympic bronze medal in 2008. It seems recently you’ve gotten more muscular. Are you worried about looking too masculine?
RR: “I was worried when I was younger. I was made fun of how muscular I was. I think it’s a shame to think I would have to give up my femininity to be athletic. How come you have to choose being a successful athlete or being a beautiful woman? I think we should be pushing our body to the absolute limits, and it’s something that should be celebrated and not criticized.”
LH: You had self-esteem issues growing up?
RR: “I wasn’t comfortable how I looked growing up. I never thought of myself as pretty. People tell me that now and I almost think it’s not real. I think they are thinking of a picture they saw or have this idea about me. I think they aren’t looking at me right. Certain days I feel like I’m on top of the world. I appreciate all this. Every girl wants to feel pretty.”
