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 in mixed martial arts, specifically in the UFC, before transitioning to professional wrestling with WWE. Rousey is a notable figure in combat sports and entertainment.

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 (née Waddell), won the World Judo Championship, becoming the first American to achieve this.

February 1, 1987: Ronda Rousey's Birth

On February 1, 1987, Ronda Jean Rousey was born. She is an American professional wrestler, actress, former judoka, and mixed martial artist.

1992: Women's Judo as Olympic Sport

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

2002: Judo training

From 2002, Ronda Rousey began training in judo at Hayastan MMA Academy. She trained mostly with males bigger than she was and often got frustrated and cried when she got thrown and could not throw somebody.

2004: Teammates' Thoughts on MMA

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

2005: Judo Training

Until 2005, Ronda Rousey trained in judo at Hayastan MMA Academy and often got frustrated and cried when she got thrown and could not throw somebody.

2008: Became a vegan after Beijing 2008

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

2011: Jiu Jitsu Training Begins

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

2012: Approval to Use 'Rowdy' Nickname

Circa 2012, Ronda Rousey met "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and received his personal approval to use the nickname "Rowdy".

2012: Described her diet

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

2013: Approval to Use 'Rowdy' Nickname

Circa 2013, Ronda Rousey continued using the nickname "Rowdy" after receiving approval from Roddy Piper.

2014: Jiu Jitsu Training Ends

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

April 2015: Visit to Yerevan, Armenia for Armenian Genocide anniversary

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

August 1, 2015: Defeated Bethe Correia at UFC 190

On August 1, 2015, Ronda Rousey defeated Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Brazil by knockout in just 34 seconds, dedicating the match to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who had passed away the day before. This earned Rousey another Performance of the Night award.

December 9, 2015: Medically Cleared by UFC

On December 9, 2015, Ronda Rousey was medically cleared by UFC, ending her suspension following the defeat by Holly Holm.

2015: ESPN Fan Poll Award 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".

My Fight / Your Fight

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February 16, 2016: Rousey's Appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

On February 16, 2016, Ronda Rousey appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she disclosed that she had considered suicide following her knockout loss to Holly Holm, revealing the profound emotional impact of the defeat.

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2016: Endorsement of Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign

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

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 were married in Browne's home state of Hawaii.

August 18, 2019: Injury during 9-1-1 series shooting

On August 18, 2019, it was revealed that Ronda Rousey is appearing as a recurring character Lena Bosko in the third season of Fox's 9-1-1 series. During her first day of shooting, she injured two fingers after her left hand was jammed in a boat door.

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