Ronda Rousey’s Journey from MMA Superstar to Financial Speculation: Was She Ever on the Verge of $600 Million?
Ronda Rousey, the UFC’s trailblazing female champion, was once on top of the world, dominating the Octagon and captivating fans with her undeniable skill. From 2011 to 2015, her rise to prominence seemed unstoppable. With a string of first-round victories and an aura of invincibility, Rousey appeared poised to conquer not only her sport but also the financial realm. Her ambition was clear: to rival the earnings of boxing’s golden boy, Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has amassed a staggering $600 million throughout his career. But did she ever come close to achieving this lofty goal?
In a revealing interview from 2015, Rousey addressed her financial aspirations and the stark contrast between her earnings and Mayweather’s. Despite her immense popularity and success, she was candid about the disparities. “I don’t like to talk about exactly how much money I make. But I am extremely comfortable and happy,” Rousey remarked with a smile. She elaborated on her potential earnings, stating, “And you know, if I got to a point where I had almost 50 fights, I would probably be making close to the same amount of money that Floyd does. But at this point, I have eleven.”
she explained, “I don’t like to talk about exactly how much money I make. But I am extremely comfortable and happy.”
Ronda Rousey then gave the exact reason “And you know, if I got to a point where I had almost 50 fights, I would probably be making close to the same amount of money that Floyd does. But at this point, I have eleven.”
The comparison between Rousey and Mayweather was striking. While Mayweather had been boxing professionally since 1996 and maintained an undefeated record, Rousey’s career was still burgeoning. However, the difference in their financial standing became a focal point, particularly after Rousey’s sharp-tongued comments aimed at Mayweather.
In 2015, following her victory at the ESPY Awards, Rousey took a veiled jab at Mayweather’s notorious past, saying, “I wonder how Floyd feels being beat by a woman for once. I’d like to see him pretend to not know who I am now.” Mayweather, never one to shy away from a verbal spar, responded by emphasizing his unparalleled financial success. “I’ve yet to see any MMA fighter, or other boxer, make over $300 million in 36 minutes. When she can do that, then call me,” he retorted.
Rousey’s response was equally biting. She asserted, “I actually did the math and given the numbers of my last fight, I’m actually the highest paid UFC fighter and I’m a woman … I actually make 2-3 times more than he does per second. When he learns to read and write, he can text me.” This exchange underscored the growing rivalry and the intensity of their competitive spirits.
Rousey said, “I wonder how Floyd feels being beat by a woman for once. I’d like to see him pretend to not know who I am now.”
Her dig at Mayweather’s history of domestic violence provoked a response from the boxer. “I’ve yet to see any MMA fighter, or other boxer, make over $300 million in 36 minutes. When she can do that, then call me.”
What was Ronda Rousey’s response to this? Well, she gave an equally bitter answer. “I actually did the math and given the numbers of my last fight, I’m actually the highest paid UFC fighter and I’m a woman … I actually make 2-3 times more than he does per second. When he learns to read and write, he can text me.”
Despite Rousey’s bravado, her career took a dramatic turn. The year 2015 marked the beginning of her decline as she suffered her first loss to Holly Holm in November. The defeat, which shocked the MMA world, was compounded by a subsequent loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016. These setbacks damaged Rousey’s once-unassailable reputation, leading many to question the authenticity of her previous dominance and fueling rumors of her supposed financial struggles.
Today, Rousey is no longer in the limelight of the Octagon but has ventured into the world of literature. She is currently promoting her graphic novel, Expecting the Unexpected. To support the book’s launch, Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, are offering exclusive private MMA lessons, with Rousey encouraging fans to engage with her new project. “Get a private MMA lesson from me and @travisbrownemma – limited to 10 people! Check the link in my bio, back our Expecting the Unexpected graphic novel Kickstarter and choose the private lesson add-on,” Rousey wrote on Instagram. Her promotional efforts have sparked speculation about her financial stability.
She wrote on Instagram, “Get a private mma lesson from me and @travisbrownemma – limited to 10 people! Check the link in my bio, back our Expecting the Unexpected graphic novel kickstarter and choose the private lesson add on. If you’re a beginner, a teacher, a fighter, we’ll be open books and will teach you anything you want to learn.”
“Wanna learn the intricacies of my armbar? This is your chance! Wanna learn how to do the “Travis Browne elbows against the cage” just ask!”
However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Rousey is experiencing financial difficulties. According to ‘Celebrity Net Worth,’ her current net worth stands at $14 million. Additionally, Rousey and Browne are expecting their second child, a joyful development that adds a personal and positive note to her story. The protagonist of her graphic novel, a pregnant assassin, mirrors Rousey’s own journey and creative vision.
Editor’s Note:
Ronda Rousey’s journey from a dominating MMA fighter to a creative author reflects the multifaceted nature of her career. While her financial status may have been a topic of speculation, her contributions to sports and literature continue to resonate. This evolution highlights the unpredictability of fame and the diverse paths athletes can take beyond their initial success.
