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 an American retired professional wrestler, actress, judoka, and mixed martial artist. She gained prominence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and later in WWE. Rousey is renowned for her achievements in mixed martial arts, particularly her dominant reign as the UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion. She transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a notable figure in WWE. Her career spans combat sports and entertainment, establishing her as a well-known personality in both fields.

Sections (4)

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

1984: AnnMaria De Mars' World Judo Championship

In 1984, Ronda Rousey's mother, AnnMaria De Mars (née Waddell, formerly AnnMaria Burns), was 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. She later became a professional wrestler, actress, judoka, and mixed martial artist, famous for her work in the UFC and WWE.

1988: Lynn Roethke's Olympic Judo Medal

In the 1988 Olympics, Lynn Roethke won a silver medal in Judo; however, it was not counted in the US medal count as Women's Judo was a demonstration sport at that time.

1992: Women's Judo as an Olympic Sport

In 1992, Women's Judo's inception as an Olympic sport began.

2002: Training at Hayastan MMA Academy

From 2002, Ronda Rousey went to North Hollywood, Los Angeles Hayastan MMA Academy, which was run by Gokor Chivichyan, where she trained with fellow future MMA fighters Manny Gamburyan and Karo Parisyan.

2004: Teammates' MMA Predictions

Back in 2004, Ronda Rousey's teammates thought Rousey "would kill these girls" in MMA, but also thought she was "too pretty to get hit in the face" and should keep doing judo.

2005: Training at Hayastan MMA Academy

Until 2005, Ronda Rousey went to North Hollywood, Los Angeles Hayastan MMA Academy, which was run by Gokor Chivichyan, where she trained with fellow future MMA fighters Manny Gamburyan and Karo Parisyan.

2008: Rousey Became Vegan

After the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Ronda Rousey transitioned to a vegan diet.

2011: Jiu Jitsu Training at Dynamix MMA

From 2011, Ronda Rousey trained in Jiu Jitsu at Dynamix MMA with Henry Akins.

2012: "Rowdy" Nickname Approval

Circa 2012, Ronda Rousey originally opposed using the nickname her friends gave her, "Rowdy", feeling it would be disrespectful to professional wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. After meeting Piper and receiving his approval, she adopted the nickname.

2012: Rousey Described Her Diet

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

2013: "Rowdy" Nickname Approval

Circa 2013, Ronda Rousey originally opposed using the nickname her friends gave her, "Rowdy", feeling it would be disrespectful to professional wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. After meeting Piper and receiving his approval, she adopted the nickname.

2014: Jiu Jitsu Training at Dynamix MMA Ended

Until 2014, Ronda Rousey trained in Jiu Jitsu at Dynamix MMA with Henry Akins.

August 1, 2015: Fought Bethe Correia at UFC 190

On August 1, 2015, Ronda Rousey fought Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Brazil, winning by knockout in 34 seconds. She dedicated the match to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who had passed away the day before, and received a Performance of the Night award.

2015: Best Female Athlete and Autobiography

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

Check it on Amazon

February 16, 2016: Rousey appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

On February 16, 2016, Ronda Rousey appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and disclosed that she contemplated suicide after her KO defeat to Holly Holm.

Loading Video...