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 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

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, at the Beijing Olympics, Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal in Judo, making her the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's judo since 1992 when it became an Olympic sport.

2008: Olympic Bronze Medal

In 2008, Ronda Rousey became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo, securing a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics.

March 3, 2012: Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion

On March 3, 2012, Ronda Rousey challenged Miesha Tate for her Strikeforce title in Columbus, Ohio. She defeated Tate by submission due to an armbar in the first round, becoming the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion.

August 18, 2012: Strikeforce Title Defense Against Kaufman

On August 18, 2012, Ronda Rousey defended her Strikeforce title against Sarah Kaufman at Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman in San Diego, California. Rousey retained the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship by submitting Kaufman with an armbar in 54 seconds. After the fight, Rousey challenged Cris Cyborg to a fight at bantamweight.

February 23, 2013: UFC 157 Title Defense

On February 23, 2013, at UFC 157, Ronda Rousey defended her Bantamweight Championship title against Liz Carmouche, winning by submission with an armbar in the first round. Carmouche dislocated Ronda Rousey's jaw during the fight.

May 2013: Ranked on Maxim Hot 100

In May 2013, Ronda Rousey was ranked 29 on the Maxim Hot 100 list, marking a recognition of her appeal and public image.

December 28, 2013: UFC 168 Title Defense

On December 28, 2013, Ronda Rousey defended her Bantamweight Championship against Miesha Tate at UFC 168, winning by armbar submission in the third round.

February 22, 2014: UFC 170 Title Defense Against Sara McMann

On February 22, 2014, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Sara McMann at UFC 170, winning by TKO in the first round. This marked Rousey's first career win via a method other than armbar, though the stoppage led to controversy.

July 5, 2014: UFC 175 Victory against Alexis Davis

On July 5, 2014, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Alexis Davis at UFC 175. Rousey won by knockout in 16 seconds of the first round, breaking her thumb during the fight and earning her second Performance of the Night bonus award.

2014: espnW's Impact 25

In 2014, Ronda Rousey was named one of espnW's Impact 25, acknowledging her influence and impact in the world of sports.

February 28, 2015: UFC 184 Victory against Cat Zingano

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

August 1, 2015: UFC 190 Victory against Bethe Correia

On August 1, 2015, Ronda Rousey fought Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Brazil, winning by knockout in 34 seconds of the first round. Rousey dedicated the match to "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who died the day before, and earned another Performance of the Night award.

2015: Cover of Australian Men's Fitness

In 2015, Ronda Rousey became the first woman featured on the cover of Australian Men's Fitness magazine, appearing on their November edition, marking a significant achievement in her career.

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, that same year.

My Fight / Your Fight

Check it on Amazon

January 2016: Cover of The Ring Magazine

In January 2016, Ronda Rousey was on the cover of The Ring magazine, becoming the first mixed martial artist to ever appear on the cover of the boxing magazine, and only the second woman after Cathy Davis in 1978.

July 2018: Induction into the UFC Hall of Fame

In July 2018, Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy in the sport.

2018: WWE Debut and Raw Women's Championship

In 2018, Ronda Rousey began her professional wrestling career by signing with WWE and debuting at WrestleMania 34. She later won the Raw Women's Championship at SummerSlam and defended it at WWE's first all-women's pay-per-view, Evolution.

2018: Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

In 2018, Ronda Rousey was the first female fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the sport.

January 2022: Ranked Among 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, and was the only woman on the list.

January 29, 2022: WWE Royal Rumble Victory

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 to earn a championship match at WrestleMania 38.

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, bringing her total to three women's world championships in WWE.