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 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

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. Also that year, Rousey 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 by claiming gold at the Birmingham World Cup in Great Britain.

August 2008: 2008 Olympic Games

In August 2008, Ronda Rousey competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. She won a bronze medal, becoming the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's judo since its inception as an Olympic sport.

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 feat.

March 3, 2012: Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship

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.

July 5, 2014: Defended UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship 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 just 16 seconds and also earning a Performance of the Night bonus award. Rousey broke her thumb during the fight.

2014: Named one of espnW's Impact 25

In 2014, Ronda Rousey was recognized as one of espnW's Impact 25, highlighting her influence and achievements in sports during that year.

February 28, 2015: Defeated Cat Zingano at UFC 184

On February 28, 2015, Ronda Rousey defeated Cat Zingano at UFC 184 in just 14 seconds with an armbar, setting a record for the shortest title match in UFC history at the time.

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.

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

Check it on Amazon

July 2018: Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

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

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.

January 29, 2022: Returned to WWE at Royal Rumble 2022

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, earning a championship match at WrestleMania 38.

2022: Return to WWE and Royal Rumble Win

In 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble and won the women's Royal Rumble match. She also won the SmackDown Women's Championship twice that year.