Early Life and Education of Ronda Rousey: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ronda Rousey, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ronda Rousey is a prominent American figure known for her achievements in both mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. She gained widespread recognition for her dominant run in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she was the inaugural Women's Bantamweight Champion. Later, she transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a notable performer in WWE. Beyond her athletic career, Rousey has also ventured into acting, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: Mother's World Judo Championship

In 1984, Ronda Rousey's mother, AnnMaria De Mars (then AnnMaria Burns), became the first American to win a World Judo Championship.

February 1, 1987: Ronda Rousey's Birth

On February 1, 1987, Ronda Jean Rousey was born in Riverside, California, to AnnMaria De Mars (née Waddell) and Ronald John Rousey.

2004: Teammates Prediction about MMA

Back in 2004, Ronda Rousey's teammates believed she was too pretty to get hit in the face for MMA, but also that she would easily defeat any female opponent.

2008: Became a Vegan after Beijing 2008

After competing in Beijing 2008, Ronda Rousey transitioned to a vegan diet.

2012: Acquiring the "Rowdy" Nickname

Circa 2012, Ronda Rousey met "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, who helped train both of them. Piper personally gave his approval for Rousey to use the nickname "Rowdy."

2012: Described diet as a mix between Paleo and Warrior diet

In 2012, Ronda Rousey described her diet as 'kind of a mix between a Paleo and a Warrior diet,' a change from her vegan diet adopted after Beijing 2008.

2013: Acquiring the "Rowdy" Nickname

Circa 2013, Ronda Rousey met "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, who helped train both of them. Piper personally gave his approval for Rousey to use the nickname "Rowdy."

April 2015: Visited Yerevan, Armenia for Armenian Genocide anniversary

In April 2015, Ronda Rousey visited Yerevan, Armenia, for the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, and paid her respects at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide memorial.

February 16, 2016: Rousey discusses suicidal thoughts on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

On February 16, 2016, Ronda Rousey appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and stated that she considered suicide after her loss to Holly Holm.

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2016: Endorsed Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign

In 2016, Ronda Rousey publicly endorsed Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in the United States presidential election.

2016: Retirement from MMA

In 2016, Ronda Rousey retired from mixed martial arts (MMA).

April 20, 2017: Engaged to Travis Browne

On April 20, 2017, Ronda Rousey got engaged to Travis Browne in New Zealand, marking a significant step in their relationship.

August 28, 2017: Married Travis Browne

On August 28, 2017, Ronda Rousey married Travis Browne in Browne's home state of Hawaii, solidifying their commitment to each other.

August 18, 2019: Injured fingers during 9-1-1 filming

On August 18, 2019, it was revealed that Ronda Rousey would be appearing as a recurring character, Lena Bosko, in the third season of Fox's 9-1-1 series. During the first day of shooting, she injured two fingers after her left hand was jammed in a boat door, resulting in a fractured ring finger and a broken middle finger that required surgery with a metal plate and screws.

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April 21, 2021: Announced first pregnancy

On April 21, 2021, Ronda Rousey announced on her official YouTube channel that she was four months pregnant with her first child.

September 27, 2021: Gave birth to first child

On September 27, 2021, Ronda Rousey gave birth to her first child, a girl named La’akea Makalapuaokalanipō Browne.

October 26, 2023: Teamed with Marina Shafir to defeat Brian Kendrick and Taya Valkyrie at Lucha VaVoom

On October 26, 2023, Ronda Rousey came out of retirement and teamed up with Marina Shafir. Together, they defeated Brian Kendrick, who was Rousey's trainer, and Taya Valkyrie at a Lucha VaVoom event.