Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey released a statement to ESPN following another devastating knockout loss, this time to Amanda Nunes.
The main event of UFC 207 was about as lopsided as humanly possible, as Amanda Nunes successfully defended her UFC women’s bantamweight title by knocking out Ronda Rousey in just 48 seconds. It marked the 2nd KO loss in as many fights for Rousey, who had dominated the division for years, dating back to her days in Strikeforce. That all came to an end when Holly Holm finished her at UFC 193.
Rousey (12-2) had a virtual, contractually-negotiated media blackout leading up to the Nunes fight, and as expected after another brutal KO, she wasn’t part of the post-fight press conference. The 29-year-old did, however, release this statement to ESPN today.
"I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.
"Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes -- even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly -- it doesn't work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women's division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda.
"I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding."
In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres just about two months prior to UFC 207, Rousey stated that Nunes would definitely be “one of my last fights.” While Rousey never specifically mentioned retirement in the statement, it’s certainly possible that that this is Rousey’s last fight. For what it’s worth, Amanda Nunes believes that will be the case, and she expressed as such in the post-fight presser.