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 accomplished American professional wrestler, actress, and former judoka and mixed martial artist. She gained prominence through her successful careers in both the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE. Rousey's impact extends beyond sports, encompassing entertainment and celebrity status.

Sections (4)

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

1988: Lynn Roethke wins Olympic medal

In 1988, Lynn Roethke won a silver medal in Judo at the Olympics. 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

In 2004, at 17, Ronda Rousey became the youngest judoka to qualify for the Olympic Games in Athens and also 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.

February 2007: Ranked Among Top Judo Competitors

In February 2007, Ronda Rousey moved up to 70 kg and ranked as one of the top three women in the world, subsequently winning gold at the Pan American Games and silver at the World Judo Championships.

August 2008: Olympic Bronze Medal

In August 2008, at the Beijing Olympics, Ronda Rousey won a bronze medal in Judo, becoming the first American to medal in women's judo since it became an Olympic sport in 1992.

2008: Olympic Medal in Judo

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 Championship

On March 3, 2012, Ronda Rousey defeated Miesha Tate by submission due to an armbar in the first round at Columbus, Ohio, to become the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion.

August 18, 2012: Strikeforce Title Defense

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

February 23, 2013: UFC 157 Title Defense

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

May 2013: Rousey ranked on Maxim Hot 100

In May 2013, Ronda Rousey was ranked 29 on the Maxim Hot 100 list, recognizing her popularity and appeal.

December 28, 2013: UFC 168 Title Defense Against Miesha Tate

On December 28, 2013, at UFC 168, Ronda Rousey retained her Bantamweight Championship by defeating Miesha Tate via armbar in the third round, marking a rematch from Strikeforce. Rousey noted that she lost muscle during film commitments and couldn't regain her full strength for the fight.

February 22, 2014: UFC 170 Main Event: Rousey vs. McMann

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 not by armbar. The stoppage was considered premature by some.

July 5, 2014: UFC 175: Rousey vs. 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 and broke her thumb during the fight, earning a Performance of the Night bonus award.

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

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

August 1, 2015: UFC 190: Rousey vs. Correia

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

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

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 were awarded a Fight of the Night bonus.

2015: ESPN Fan Poll and Autobiography

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

My Fight / Your Fight

Check it on Amazon

January 2016: Rousey on the cover of The Ring magazine

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

July 2018: UFC Hall of Fame Induction

In July 2018, Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

2018: Inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

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

January 2022: Rousey among top 20 richest MMA fighters

In January 2022, Ronda Rousey was recognized as being among the top 20 richest MMA fighters, possessing a net worth of US$12 million. She was notably the only woman included in the top 20.

2022: WWE Return and Championship Wins

In 2022, Ronda Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble, winning the women's Royal Rumble match and later securing the SmackDown Women's Championship twice.