Ronda Rousey's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ronda Rousey. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

August 12, 2011: Strikeforce Debut Victory

On August 12, 2011, Ronda Rousey made her Strikeforce debut against Sarah D'Alelio at Strikeforce Challengers 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeating her by technical submission due to an armbar in the first round.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Check it on Amazon

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.

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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: 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 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.