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 mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. She gained significant recognition in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she was a dominant champion, and later transitioned to WWE, achieving success as a professional wrestler. Beyond sports, Rousey has also ventured into acting. Her career highlights her success in combat sports and her crossover appeal into entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

1984: AnnMaria De Mars Wins 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, the youngest of AnnMaria De Mars and Ronald John Rousey's three daughters.

1992: Inception of Women's Judo as an Olympic Sport

In 1992, women's judo was recognized as an Olympic sport.

2008: Became a Vegan

In 2008 after Beijing, Ronda Rousey became a vegan.

2012: Acquiring "Rowdy" Nickname Approval

Circa 2012 or 2013, Ronda Rousey originally opposed using the nickname "Rowdy" but after meeting "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, Piper personally gave his approval.

2012: Described Diet as a Mix

In 2012 Ronda Rousey described her diet as "kind of a mix between a Paleo and a Warrior diet."

2013: Acquiring "Rowdy" Nickname Approval

Circa 2012 or 2013, Ronda Rousey originally opposed using the nickname "Rowdy" but after meeting "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, Piper personally gave his approval.

April 2015: Visit to Yerevan for Armenian Genocide Anniversary

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

August 1, 2015: Rousey vs. Correia at UFC 190

On August 1, 2015, Ronda Rousey fought Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Brazil, winning by knockout in 34 seconds. Rousey dedicated the match to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who had passed away the day before, acknowledging him as an inspiration. She also earned another Performance of the Night award for this fight.

December 9, 2015: Rousey Medically Cleared

On December 9, 2015, Ronda Rousey was medically cleared to fight, after being medically suspended by the UFC on November 18, 2015.

2015: ESPN Fan Poll and Autobiography Publication

In 2015, Ronda Rousey was voted the best female athlete of all time in an ESPN fan poll. She also published her autobiography, "My Fight / Your Fight", in 2015.

My Fight / Your Fight

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February 16, 2016: Rousey on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

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

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2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders

In 2016, Ronda Rousey 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: Engagement to Travis Browne

On April 20, 2017, Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne got engaged in New Zealand.

August 28, 2017: Marriage to Travis Browne

On August 28, 2017, Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne married in Browne's home state of Hawaii.

April 21, 2021: Pregnancy Announcement

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: Birth of First Child

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

October 26, 2023: Rousey Comes out of Retirement at Lucha VaVoom

On October 26, 2023, Ronda Rousey came out of retirement and teamed with Marina Shafir to win against her trainer Brian Kendrick and Taya Valkyrie at a Lucha VaVoom event.

2023: Residence in Venice, California

As of 2023, Ronda Rousey lives in Venice, California.

July 25, 2024: Announcement of Second Pregnancy

On July 25, 2024, Ronda Rousey announced that she is expecting her second child with Travis Browne.

January 9, 2025: Birth of Second Child

On January 9, 2025, Ronda Rousey gave birth to her second child, a girl named Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha Browne.

September 2025: Rousey Confirmed Retirement from Professional Wrestling

In September 2025, Ronda Rousey confirmed that she had no reason to return to WWE and announced she had once again retired from professional wrestling.