Ronda Rousey, the six-time UFC champion, once had an epic response to NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal’s claim. ‘Rowdy’ is one of the pioneers of women’s MMA who achieved immeasurable success in the UFC. Her stardom transcended the MMA community, provided that Rousey was challenged by athletes outside of MMA.
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That being said, even NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal once claimed he could survive over 45-seconds against the then UFC champion, Rousey. During one of his media appearances, O’Neal said, “I can last 45 seconds with Ronda Rousey. Set it up… It’s not a joke. I can last 45 seconds.”
Following that, a reporter asked ‘Rowdy’ to share her opinion on Shaq’s statement. To which Rousey responded, “Yeah, you know if a chick could last past 45 seconds, I don’t see why Shaq couldn’t.”
Given his physical attributes and experience in MMA, the NBA legend might get past the 45-second mark against Rousey inside the octagon. Despite that, one cannot forget what the former women’s UFC champion has done inside the MMA cage.
Ronda Rousey- Journey in the UFC
Before turning her attention toward the MMA. Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. In fact, she was the first US-American woman to win an Olympic medal in Judo.
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ANAHEIM, CA – FEBRUARY 23: Ronda Rousey celebrates her UFC Bantamweight Title over Liz Carmouche at Honda Center on February 23, 2013 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
‘Rowdy’ had four amazing submissions wins, all in the first round in Strikeforce before she made her way to the UFC. In 2013, she competed in her first UFC fight. It was a battle for the bantamweight gold, which Rousey won in the first round via submission.
Later, she defended her title six successful times in her UFC career. All of her title defenses came in the first round, except for one. She has won four Performances of The Night, two Fight of the Night, and one submission of the Night bonuses during her time in the promotion.
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Unfortunately, she also faced two losses near the end of her UFC career. Following that, Rousey departed from the promotion in 2016. Later, she became the first female fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.
What do you make of Ronda Rousey’s response to Shaq? What are your thoughts on Rousey’s UFC career? Let us know in the comments below.
