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 professional wrestler, actress, and former judoka and mixed martial artist. She gained prominence for her careers in both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE. Her impact on women's mixed martial arts and professional wrestling is significant, as she helped elevate both sports to new levels of mainstream attention.

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. She is the youngest of three daughters born to AnnMaria De Mars and Ronald John Rousey in Riverside, California.

1992: Women's Judo as an Olympic Sport

In 1992, Women's Judo was instated as an Olympic sport.

2002: MMA Academy Training

From approximately 2002, Ronda Rousey trained at Hayastan MMA Academy with Gokor Chivichyan, where she trained with Manny Gamburyan and Karo Parisyan.

2004: Teammates' MMA Predictions

Back in 2004, Ronda Rousey's teammates believed she had the skills to excel in MMA but also thought she was "too pretty to get hit in the face" and should stick to judo.

2005: MMA Academy Training

Until approximately 2005, Ronda Rousey trained at Hayastan MMA Academy with Gokor Chivichyan, where she trained with Manny Gamburyan and Karo Parisyan.

2008: Transition to Veganism

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

2011: Start of Jiu Jitsu Training

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

2012: Approval for "Rowdy" Nickname

Around 2012, Ronda Rousey initially opposed using the nickname "Rowdy", but after meeting "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, Piper personally gave his approval.

2012: Dietary Shift

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

2013: Approval for "Rowdy" Nickname

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

2014: End of Jiu Jitsu Training

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

April 2015: Visit to Armenian Genocide Memorial

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

December 9, 2015: Medical Clearance by UFC

On December 9, 2015, Ronda Rousey was medically cleared by UFC following her medical suspension after losing to Holly Holm.

February 16, 2016: Appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

On February 16, 2016, Ronda Rousey appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and disclosed that she contemplated suicide in the aftermath of her defeat by 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, expressing her political views and support.

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, sharing her joy with her fans.