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 mixed martial arts (MMA) and professional wrestling. She gained significant recognition in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where she was a dominant champion, and later transitioned to WWE, achieving success as a professional wrestler. Beyond sports, Rousey has also ventured into acting. Her career highlights her success in combat sports and her crossover appeal into entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

1988: Lynn Roethke wins Silver Medal

In the 1988 Olympics, Lynn Roethke won a silver medal; however, her medal was not counted toward the US medal count because Women's Judo was a demonstration sport.

2004: Olympic Qualification and World Judo Juniors Championship Win

In 2004, at age 17, Ronda Rousey was the youngest judoka to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens. Also in 2004, she won a gold medal at the World Judo Juniors Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

April 2006: Gold at Birmingham World Cup

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 Win

In August 2008, Ronda Rousey competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China and won a bronze medal, becoming the first American to win an Olympic medal in women's judo since its inception as an Olympic sport in 1992.

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.

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, submitting her with an armbar in 54 seconds to retain the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship.

February 23, 2013: Title Defense Against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157

On February 23, 2013, Ronda Rousey defended her title against Liz Carmouche at UFC 157, winning by submission due to an armbar. Carmouche dislocated Ronda Rousey's jaw during the fight.

May 2013: Ranked on Maxim Hot 100

In May 2013, Rousey was ranked 29 on the Maxim Hot 100.

December 28, 2013: UFC 168: Title Defense 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, Ronda Rousey defended her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Sara McMann at UFC 170. Rousey won by TKO in the first round, marking her first win not via armbar, though the stoppage was considered premature by some.

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 just 16 seconds. Despite breaking her thumb during the fight, this emphatic victory earned her a second 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, setting a record for 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 passed away the day before, acknowledging him as an inspiration. She also earned another Performance of the Night award for this fight.

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

On November 15, 2015, Ronda Rousey faced Holly Holm at UFC 193 and was knocked out in the second round, losing her title and undefeated streak. Both fighters received a Fight of the Night bonus of $50,000.

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

July 2018: Rousey Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

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

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: Top 20 Richest MMA Fighters

In January 2022, Rousey was among the top 20 richest MMA fighters with US$12 million net worth, being the only woman in the top 20.

January 29, 2022: Rousey Returns to WWE at the Royal Rumble

On January 29, 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble as a face, entering at No. 28 and winning by last eliminating Charlotte Flair, earning a championship match at WrestleMania 38.

Loading Video...

2023: WWE Career and Departure

In 2023, Ronda Rousey experienced a series of events in WWE, including winning the Women's Tag Team Championship with Shayna Baszler, unifying the WWE and NXT Women's Tag Team Championships, losing the tag team title after Baszler turned on her at Money in the Bank, and losing to Baszler at SummerSlam in an MMA Rules match. Although reports initially indicated she was leaving WWE, she was later moved to the alumni section in October. Rousey also mentioned retiring due to concussions during her MMA career.