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 a prominent American figure known for her achievements in both mixed martial arts and professional wrestling. She gained widespread recognition for her dominant run in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she was the inaugural Women's Bantamweight Champion. Later, she transitioned to professional wrestling, becoming a notable performer in WWE. Beyond her athletic career, Rousey has also ventured into acting, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

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.

2004: Olympic Qualification and World Judo Juniors Championship

In 2004, at 17, Ronda Rousey was the youngest judoka to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens, where she lost 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

In August 2008, Ronda Rousey competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, ultimately winning a bronze medal in judo.

2008: Olympic Bronze Medal

In 2008, Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal in judo at the Summer Olympics, becoming the first American woman to achieve this.

March 3, 2012: Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship

On March 3, 2012, Ronda Rousey challenged Miesha Tate for her Strikeforce title in Columbus, Ohio, defeating Tate by submission due to an armbar in the first round and becoming 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 in San Diego, California, retaining the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship with an armbar submission in 54 seconds.

November 2012: Signing with UFC and Inaugural Championship

In November 2012, Ronda Rousey became the first female fighter to sign with the UFC. UFC President Dana White announced that Rousey was the first UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion.

February 23, 2013: UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche

On February 23, 2013, Ronda Rousey defended her title against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157. She successfully defended her Bantamweight Championship title, winning the fight by submission due to an armbar at 4:49 into the first round. Carmouche dislocated Ronda Rousey's jaw during the fight.

May 2013: Ranked 29 on the Maxim Hot 100

In May 2013, Ronda Rousey was ranked 29 on the Maxim Hot 100 list, recognizing her as one of the sexiest women of the year.

December 28, 2013: UFC 168: Rousey vs. Tate Rematch

On December 28, 2013, Ronda Rousey faced Miesha Tate in a rematch from Strikeforce at UFC 168. She submitted 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, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Sara McMann at UFC 170. Rousey won the fight by TKO in the first round, marking her first win that wasn't by armbar, though the stoppage was 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. Rousey won the fight via knockout in just 16 seconds and broke her thumb during the fight. She also earned a Performance of the Night bonus award.

February 28, 2015: Rousey vs. Zingano at UFC 184

On February 28, 2015, Ronda Rousey defeated Cat Zingano with an armbar in 14 seconds at UFC 184. This was the shortest title match in UFC history at the time.

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 another Performance of the Night award.

November 15, 2015: Rousey vs. Holm at UFC 193

On November 15, 2015, Ronda Rousey faced Holly Holm at UFC 193. Rousey lost the fight by knockout in the second round, losing her title and undefeated streak. Both fighters were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.

2015: ESPN Best Female Athlete and Autobiography

In 2015, Ronda Rousey was voted the best female athlete of all time in an ESPN fan poll. In addition, she published her autobiography, "My Fight / Your Fight".

My Fight / Your Fight

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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.

2018: Induction into UFC Hall of Fame

In 2018, Ronda Rousey was the first female fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

January 2022: Among the top 20 richest MMA fighters

In January 2022, Ronda Rousey was recognized as one of the top 20 richest MMA fighters, with a net worth of US$12 million. Notably, she was the only woman included in the top 20 list.

January 29, 2022: Rousey wins Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble, entering at No. 28 and winning the Women's Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Charlotte Flair.

2022: Royal Rumble Win and SmackDown Championship

In 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE, winning the women's Royal Rumble match. She also secured the SmackDown Women's Championship twice during the year.