Ronda Rousey has expressed dissatisfaction with how her UFC career concluded, particularly highlighting how former allies turned against her as she faced defeats.
While promoting her book on “The Chris Cuomo Project,” Rousey recounted feeling betrayed by those she once considered friends, including UFC commentator Joe Rogan. “It was really disappointing to see how happily everybody turned on me and how people like Joe Rogan, who were crying in the ring about the honor of being able to call my fights, quickly turned on me,” Rousey remarked. Despite the disappointment, she acknowledged that this experience helped her distinguish between her self-perception and how others perceive her.
However, Jimmy Smith, a former UFC broadcaster, offered a contrasting perspective during his appearance on SiriusXM Radio. Smith criticized Rousey’s behavior behind the scenes, particularly towards the production staff. “The people behind the scenes; camera people, audio people, the people you can push around…couldn’t stand your [expletive] ass,” Smith said. He shared anecdotes of staff members describing Rousey as difficult and disrespectful during interactions, particularly during interviews.
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Smith also revealed that there was a palpable sense of relief among the staff when Rousey was defeated by Holly Holm in 2015, indicating a lack of popularity with those working behind the scenes.
Despite these criticisms, Rousey remains a significant figure in the history of women’s MMA, known for pioneering the sport for women. Yet, her relationships within the industry appear to have been complex, marked by both acclaim and contention.
