'Ronda Rousey' and the Future of WMMA

Above: Ronda Rousey, first and currently UFC's Women's Bantamweight Champion

For all you MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Junkies out there, the world of sports "entertainment" is about to take on a whole new meaning with the introduction of the feared, yet beautiful Ronda Rousey to the UFC. Before recently joining the UFC, Rousey had compiled a resume that is very impressive for any athlete. She was a Junior World Champion (Judo), World Silver Medalist (Judo) the former Strikeforce (MMA Organization) Women's Bantamweight Champion, the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in Judo (Beijing 2008; Bronze), Pan Am Games Champion (Judo), 4th degree Black belt in Judo and is the first and currently UFC's Women's Bantamweight Champion (MMA record: 7-0).

(Ronda Rousey WMMA Highlight reel)

After Rousey's historic win at UFC 157 against Liz Carmouche on Feb. 23, 2013, the media cant seem to get enough of

Ronda Rousey on the cover of ESPN Magazine

this chick and it's not just because of her performance in the sport. With only one UFC win under her belt, Rousey has landed on the cover of ESPN's Magazine for "the BODY issue". Since no other MMA fighter has been on the cover of ESPN's Magazines, its safe to say that she didn't land that spot because of her successful performance in the ring. Rousey has also captured the headlines of many after and an interview on the Jim Rome show regarding her views on sex before fights. Rousey states, "For girls, it raises your testosterone so I try to have as much sex as possible before a fight, actually. Not with like everybody. I dont put out a Craigslist ad or anything, but if I have a steady, I'm going be like 'yo, fight times coming up'" Rousey said with a laugh. With Rousey being the attractive athlete that she is, the media seems to have changed their journalistic perspective from strictly covering sports news to this E! News kind of feel to it. Its almost as if the media is robbing her of her MMA accomplishments and trying to turn Rousey into a Kim Kardashian kind of figure. Yet Rousey continues to stay true to herself by not getting to caught up in the limelight of fame.

Ronda Rousey (left) President of UFC, Dana White (right)

As for Dana White, President of The UFC, he believes that the recent success of Rousey can only do good things for the sports of WMMA and the UFC. When asked about the future of WMMA in the UFC White stated, "If you think about it, when we started this company, we had heavyweights, light heavyweights, middleweights, and welterweights. That was it. We've been adding weight classes, and the sport keeps getting bigger and bigger. The same will happen with the women. You think that after it starts to generate some excitement and interest that other women will pop out of the woodwork. I think over the next couple of years, we're really going to see a big boom."  It seems that White has taken a 180 degree turn on the subject matter as he had previously reported to TMZ that "women will never fight in the UFC". Could it be because of the sex appeal that Rousey brings to the sport? Or do you think White is really interested in the integration of WMMA to the UFC? Either way he know that guys love to watch chick fights and the more people watching, the more moneys he bringing in.  Also being the biggest star in WMMA and one of the biggest stars in MMA period has helped change Whites views towards WMMA in the UFC.

MMA overall has grown over the past few years to a global level and with the addition of WMMA to the UFC, the sport will only continue to get bigger. If Rousey and other female fighters continue to excite White and fan during their matches, WMMA will flourish in the future.

Ronda Rousey is set to defend her title against Cat Zingano, her second opponent in the UFC. Cat also made history going down as the first mother/wife to fight in the octagon. It has yet to be announced when this fight is to take place but its sure to be a must see match. The two are also set to be host's/coaches for next seasons The Ultimate Fighter reality show, where in the past  coaches square up against one another at the end of the season. So this could be the making of a long time rivalry. I know for me, I'm all about the intergrading of WMMA into the UFC. I believe it will attract me viewers/fans and will help to evolve sport of MMA. What do you guys think about the change? Are you planning on watching Rousey vs. Zingano fight? Keep it tuned it for more info regarding time times and dates for upcoming fights.

Rousey with an armbar on Carmouche at UFC 157