History of Ronda Rousey in Timeline
Ronda Rousey is an American mixed martial artist, actress, and professional wrestler, notable for her careers in UFC and WWE. She achieved significant success in mixed martial arts, becoming a prominent figure in women's MMA. Rousey was the first female UFC Bantamweight Champion. Beyond fighting, she transitioned into acting and professional wrestling, showcasing her versatility in entertainment and sports.
1984: Mother Wins World Judo Championship
In 1984, Ronda Rousey's mother, AnnMaria De Mars, became the first American to win a World Judo Championship as AnnMaria Burns.
February 1, 1987: Ronda Rousey Born
On February 1, 1987, Ronda Jean Rousey was born in Riverside, California. She is an American mixed martial artist, actress, semi-retired professional wrestler, and former judoka.
1988: Lynn Roethke wins silver medal in Judo
In the 1988 Olympics, Lynn Roethke won a silver medal in Women's Judo, but her medal was not counted toward the US medal count because Women's Judo was a demonstration sport.
1992: Inception of women's Judo as an Olympic sport
In 1992, women's Judo was introduced as an Olympic sport.
2002: Hayastan MMA Academy Training
From 2002 to 2005, Ronda Rousey trained at Hayastan MMA Academy with Gokor Chivichyan, Manny Gamburyan, and Karo Parisyan, crying every night of training due to frustration.
2004: Teammates Encouragement and MMA Interest
Back in 2004, Ronda Rousey's teammates believed she was too pretty to get hit in the face and should stick to Judo, despite their belief that she would excel in MMA.
2004: Olympic Games and World Judo Juniors Championships
In 2004, at 17, Ronda Rousey was the youngest judoka to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens, where she lost in her first match. Also in 2004, she won a gold medal at the World Judo Juniors Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
2005: Hayastan MMA Academy Training
From 2002 to 2005, Ronda Rousey trained at Hayastan MMA Academy with Gokor Chivichyan, Manny Gamburyan, and Karo Parisyan, crying every night of training due to frustration.
April 2006: Birmingham World Cup Gold Medal
In April 2006, Ronda Rousey became the first female U.S. judoka in nearly 10 years to win an A-Level tournament, claiming gold at the Birmingham World Cup in Great Britain with a 5-0 record.
February 2007: Moved up to 70 kg and Ranked Top Three
In February 2007, Ronda Rousey moved up to 70 kg and ranked as one of the top three women in the world.
August 2008: 2008 Olympic Games - Bronze Medal
In August 2008, Ronda Rousey competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She won a bronze medal in Judo, becoming the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's judo since its inception as an Olympic sport.
2008: Decision to Start MMA
Following the 2008 Olympics the following year, Ronda Rousey decided to start MMA through Team Hayastan, influenced by watching Manny Gamburyan's MMA fight.
2008: Olympic Medal in Judo
In 2008, Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo.
August 6, 2010: Amateur MMA Debut
On August 6, 2010, Ronda Rousey made her mixed martial arts debut as an amateur, defeating Hayden Munoz by submission due to an armbar in 23 seconds.
November 12, 2010: Tuff-N-Uff Tournament Quarterfinals
On November 12, 2010, Ronda Rousey entered the quarterfinals of the Tuff-N-Uff 145 lbs women's tournament and submitted Autumn Richardson with an armbar in 57 seconds.
January 7, 2011: Tuff-N-Uff Tournament Semi-Finals Victory and Turning Pro Announcement
On January 7, 2011, Ronda Rousey faced Taylor Stratford in the Tuff-N-Uff tournament semi-finals and won by technical submission. She then announced plans to turn pro.
March 27, 2011: Professional MMA Debut
On March 27, 2011, Ronda Rousey made her professional mixed martial arts debut at King of the Cage: Turning Point. She submitted Ediane Gomes with an armbar in 25 seconds.
June 17, 2011: Victory at Hard Knocks Fighting Championship
On June 17, 2011, Ronda Rousey faced Charmaine Tweet at Hard Knocks Fighting Championship: School of Hard Knocks 12 in Calgary, Canada, and submitted her with an armbar in 49 seconds.
July 30, 2011: Scheduled Strikeforce Debut
On July 30, 2011, Ronda Rousey was initially scheduled to make her Strikeforce debut against Sarah D'Alelio at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson, but the fight was postponed.
November 18, 2011: Victory over Julia Budd and title challenge
On November 18, 2011, Ronda Rousey defeated Julia Budd at Strikeforce Challengers 20 via submission due to an armbar, dislocating Budd's elbow. She then announced plans to challenge Miesha Tate for the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship.
2011: Jiu Jitsu Training at Dynamix MMA
From 2011 to 2014, Ronda Rousey trained in Jiu Jitsu at Dynamix MMA with Henry Akins.
2011: Started MMA career
In 2011, Ronda Rousey began her mixed martial arts (MMA) career with King of the Cage.
March 3, 2012: Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship Win
On March 3, 2012, Ronda Rousey challenged Miesha Tate for her Strikeforce title in Columbus, Ohio. Rousey defeated Tate by submission due to an armbar in the first round to become the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion.
August 8, 2012: All Access: Ronda Rousey on Showtime Debut
On August 8, 2012, Ronda Rousey appeared in All Access: Ronda Rousey on Showtime. UFC President Dana White predicted that Rousey would be the face of women in the octagon for the next 10 years.
August 15, 2012: All Access: Ronda Rousey on Showtime Second Installment
On August 15, 2012, the second installment of the All Access: Ronda Rousey on Showtime special aired.
August 18, 2012: Strikeforce Title Defense Against Sarah Kaufman
On August 18, 2012, Ronda Rousey defended her Strikeforce title against Sarah Kaufman at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman, submitting her with an armbar in 54 seconds to retain the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship. After the fight, Rousey challenged Cris Cyborg to a bantamweight fight.
November 2012: Signing with the UFC and Inaugural Championship
In November 2012, Ronda Rousey became the first female fighter to sign with the UFC and was announced as the first UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion.
2012: Received approval for 'Rowdy' Nickname
Around 2012 or 2013, Ronda Rousey met "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, and Piper gave his approval for Rousey to use the "Rowdy" nickname.
2012: Rousey on cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue
In 2012, Ronda Rousey appeared nude on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue, as well as in a pictorial featured inside.
January 2013: Rousey Tweets Sandy Hook Conspiracy Video
In January 2013, Ronda Rousey faced backlash after posting a video on her Twitter page that promoted a conspiracy theory about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Rousey later deleted the tweet and issued a statement.
February 23, 2013: UFC 157 victory
On February 23, 2013, at UFC 157, Ronda Rousey defended her Bantamweight Championship title against Liz Carmouche, winning the fight by submission due to an armbar. Ronda Rousey's jaw was dislocated during the fight.
May 2013: Rousey Ranked on Maxim Hot 100
In May 2013, Ronda Rousey was ranked 29th on the Maxim Hot 100 list. She also appeared on the cover and in a pictorial of the September 2013 issue.
September 2013: Rousey Featured in Maxim Magazine
In September 2013, Ronda Rousey appeared on the cover and in a pictorial of Maxim magazine.
December 28, 2013: UFC 168 victory against Miesha Tate
On December 28, 2013, Ronda Rousey faced Miesha Tate at UFC 168, submitting Tate via armbar in the third round to retain her Bantamweight Championship.
2013: Received approval for 'Rowdy' Nickname
Around 2012 or 2013, Ronda Rousey met "Rowdy" Roddy Piper through Gene LeBell, and Piper gave his approval for Rousey to use the "Rowdy" nickname.
February 22, 2014: Rousey vs McMann at UFC 170
On February 22, 2014, at UFC 170, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Sara McMann, winning by TKO in the first round. This was Rousey's first win that wasn't by armbar, but the stoppage was considered controversial.
July 5, 2014: Rousey vs Davis at UFC 175
On July 5, 2014, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Alexis Davis at UFC 175, winning by knockout in 16 seconds. During the fight, Rousey broke her thumb, and she also earned a Performance of the Night bonus award.
August 17, 2014: The Four Horsewomen at WWE's SummerSlam
On August 17, 2014, Ronda Rousey and her group, "The Four Horsewomen", attended WWE's SummerSlam event. They were acknowledged on camera and went backstage, where Rousey was interviewed and hinted at a potential crossover to wrestling.
2014: Jiu Jitsu Training at Dynamix MMA
From 2011 to 2014, Ronda Rousey trained in Jiu Jitsu at Dynamix MMA with Henry Akins.
2014: The Expendables 3 Film Appearance
In 2014, Ronda Rousey appeared in the film The Expendables 3.
2014: Rousey Co-Stars in The Expendables 3
In 2014, Ronda Rousey co-starred in The Expendables 3, marking her first major motion picture role.
March 29, 2015: Rousey at WrestleMania 31
On March 29, 2015, at WrestleMania 31, Ronda Rousey appeared alongside The Rock during a segment with The Authority (Stephanie McMahon and Triple H). Rousey confronted and tossed both McMahon and Triple H out of the ring, teasing a potential future in WWE.
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 recently passed away, and earned a Performance of the Night award.
October 2015: Rousey Guest Hosts SportsCenter
In October 2015, Ronda Rousey became the first female athlete to guest host ESPN's SportsCenter.
November 15, 2015: Rousey vs Holm at UFC 193
On November 15, 2015, Ronda Rousey faced Holly Holm at UFC 193, where she lost her title and undefeated streak after being knocked out in the second round. Despite the loss, both Rousey and Holm were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.
November 18, 2015: Rousey medically suspended by UFC
On November 18, 2015, Ronda Rousey was medically suspended by UFC following her loss to Holly Holm.
December 9, 2015: Rousey medically cleared by UFC
On December 9, 2015, Ronda Rousey was medically cleared by the UFC after her suspension.
2015: Rousey Appears in Furious 7 and Entourage
In 2015, Ronda Rousey appeared in the film Furious 7 and played herself in the film Entourage.
2015: Rousey on Cover of Australian Men's Fitness
In 2015, Ronda Rousey was featured on the cover of the November edition of Australian Men's Fitness, becoming the first woman to appear on its cover.
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.
January 2016: Rousey on the Cover of The Ring
In January 2016, Ronda Rousey was featured on the cover of The Ring magazine, becoming the first mixed martial artist to appear on the cover.
January 23, 2016: Rousey Hosts Saturday Night Live
On January 23, 2016, Ronda Rousey hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live with Selena Gomez as the musical guest.
February 2016: Rousey in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In February 2016, Ronda Rousey appeared in body paint on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as one of three cover athletes.
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 considered suicide after her loss to Holly Holm.
December 30, 2016: Rousey vs Nunes at UFC 207
On December 30, 2016, Ronda Rousey returned to UFC after over a year away and faced Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, losing the fight via TKO in the first round.
2016: Rousey Endorses Bernie Sanders
In 2016, Ronda Rousey endorsed Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in the United States presidential election.
2016: Road House Remake Project Cancelled
In 2016, the Road House remake project, in which Ronda Rousey was scheduled to star, was cancelled. This film would have been her biggest acting job to date.
April 20, 2017: Rousey and Browne Get Engaged
On April 20, 2017, Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne got engaged in New Zealand.
August 28, 2017: Rousey and Browne Get Married
On August 28, 2017, Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne were married in Browne's home state of Hawaii.
September 12, 2017: Four Horsewomen at Mae Young Classic
On September 12, 2017, The Four Horsewomen attended the Mae Young Classic to support Shayna Baszler. They had a face-off with Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Bayley, hinting at a potential future feud in WWE.
January 28, 2018: Rousey's WWE Debut at Royal Rumble
On January 28, 2018, Ronda Rousey made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble, confronting the Raw and SmackDown Women's Champions and Asuka. It was revealed that she had signed a full-time contract with WWE. She wore "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's jacket, given to her by his son.
July 9, 2018: Rousey confirmed as pre-order bonus character for WWE 2K19
On July 9, 2018, it was confirmed that Ronda Rousey would be one of the two pre-order bonus characters for the video game WWE 2K19, alongside Rey Mysterio.
July 2018: Rousey Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame
In July 2018, Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the sport.
2018: Mile 22 Film Appearance
In 2018, Ronda Rousey appeared in the film Mile 22.
2018: WWE Debut and Championship Win
In 2018, Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career by signing with WWE, debuting at WrestleMania 34. She also won the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam and headlined Evolution, WWE's first all-women's pay-per-view.
2018: UFC Hall of Fame Induction
In 2018, Rousey was the first female fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
January 17, 2019: Rousey to voice Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat 11
On January 17, 2019, Ronda Rousey was confirmed to be voicing the character Sonya Blade in the video game Mortal Kombat 11.
January 28, 2019: Rousey vs Bayley on Raw
On January 28, 2019, Ronda Rousey retained her Raw Women's Championship against Bayley on Raw. After the match, Becky Lynch, who had won the Royal Rumble match, chose to challenge Rousey for the title at WrestleMania 35.
August 18, 2019: Rousey Appears in 9-1-1 Series and Injures Fingers
On August 18, 2019, it was revealed that Ronda Rousey would appear as a recurring character in the third season of Fox's 9-1-1 series. During her first day of shooting, she injured two fingers.
February 18, 2020: Rousey Announces Facebook Gaming Stream
On February 18, 2020, Ronda Rousey announced her first stream on Facebook Gaming, with all stream profits donated to charity.
September 2021: Rousey Hosts Rowdy's Places on ESPN+
In September 2021, Ronda Rousey hosted Rowdy's Places on ESPN+. The limited series explored the global sensation of combat sports.
January 2022: Rousey Among Richest MMA Fighters
In January 2022, Ronda Rousey was listed among the top 20 richest MMA fighters with a net worth of US$12 million, and was the only woman in the top 20.
January 29, 2022: Rousey Wins Women's Royal Rumble
On January 29, 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble, entering at No. 28 and winning by last eliminating Charlotte Flair, earning a championship match at WrestleMania 38.
May 13, 2022: Rousey vs Rodriguez on SmackDown
On May 13, 2022, Ronda Rousey retained her SmackDown Women's Championship against Raquel Rodriguez in an open challenge on SmackDown.
October 28, 2022: Rousey vs Emma on SmackDown
On October 28, 2022, Ronda Rousey retained her SmackDown Women's Championship against Emma in an open challenge on SmackDown.
2022: Royal Rumble and SmackDown Championship Wins
In 2022, Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble, winning the women's Royal Rumble match, and also won the SmackDown Women's Championship twice.
2022: UFC Title Defense Record Surpassed
In 2022, Valentina Shevchenko surpassed Ronda Rousey's record for most UFC title defenses by a female (6).
February 10, 2023: Rousey Returns to SmackDown and Attacks Liv Morgan
On February 10, 2023, Ronda Rousey returned to SmackDown to aid Shayna Baszler in an attack on Liv Morgan and Tegan Nox, marking the official start of their alliance.
October 2023: Leaves WWE
After leaving WWE in October 2023, Ronda Rousey began wrestling on the independent circuit.
October 27, 2023: Rousey Wrestles at Lucha VaVoom
On October 27, 2023, Ronda Rousey teamed with Marina Shafir at a Lucha VaVoom event in Los Angeles, defeating Brian Kendrick and Taya Valkyrie.
November 23, 2023: Rousey and Shafir Debut in Ring of Honor
On November 23, 2023, Ronda Rousey and Marina Shafir debuted in Ring of Honor (ROH), defeating Athena and Billie Starkz in a tag team match that aired on ROH Honor Club TV.
2024: Rousey Issues Apology
In 2024, Ronda Rousey issued an apology regarding her prior posts surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
February 17, 2026: Rousey returns to MMA against Gina Carano
On February 17, 2026, it was announced that Ronda Rousey would make her return to MMA under Most Valuable Promotions, against Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
March 15, 2026: Rousey Debuts in AEW at Revolution
On March 15, 2026, Ronda Rousey made her debut for AEW at the Revolution pay-per-view, confronting Toni Storm.
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