By the end of 2016, Rousey was the best UFC female fighter in her weight class. Sponsorship offers came pouring in and Rousey partnered with brands like Carl’s Jr., Reebok, Buffalo Jeans, and Metro PCS.
After suffering two major career losses, some questions about the sponsorship began to arise — would the sponsors stand with Rousey? According to TMZ Sports, the sponsors were very supportive. Reebok even said that they stand beside her and that their partnership is not about wins or losses.
Rousey vs Mayweather
At the 2015 ESPY Awards, Rousey mentioned one of the fighters who was nominated for Best Fighter with her — Floyd Mayweather.
The year before that, Mayweather said he didn't know who Rousey was and that he's never heard of her. "I’d like to see you pretend to not know who I am now," Rousey said on the red carpet, "I wonder how Floyd feels being defeated by a woman for once.”
Home Invasion, the Rousey Edition
When doing a 2017 interview on the talk show "Live With Kelly and Ryan", Rousey spoke about being robbed a few months prior. Apparently, the burglars weren't too smart and literally robbed a couple that throws punches for a living.
A lot was taken — her Olympic ring, weapon, valuable jewelry, and credit cards. Rousey and her husband quickly checked their security system and recognized the criminals from a nearby skatepark. The footage was turned over to the police who found the burglars and arrested them.
A UFC Hall of Famer
Rousey's success and popularity were almost instant. She became so famous so fast that in 2015, she was the third-most Googled person in the world.
Rousey got the world interested in women’s fighting. That, alongside her previously mentioned achievements, earned her well-deserved respect. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 and became the first woman to do that.
And to Think the UFC Didn't Even Want Women's MMA
When Rousey signed with the UFC in 2013, she was the first woman to do that. Actually, if it wasn't for her, the UFC wouldn't have even picked up women's MMA in the first place.
Before Rousey came along, Dana White, UFC President, didn't think there was "enough depth" for a women's division. He changed his mind only after watching Rousey in action. He stated that she first got him to change his mind, and then changed the world.