Ronda Rousey exits the Octagon after her loss to Amanda Nunes of Brazil in their UFC women's bantamweight championship bout during the UFC 207 event on December 30, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo : Getty Images/Christian Petersen)
The world of Mixed Martial Arts was rocked again when Ronda Rousey, one of the sports' main stalwarts, was ungraciously knocked out again.
Rousey has broken her silence with a statement that she issued to ESPN.
"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."
The main takeaway from her statement is that Rousey needs some time. Also, retirement is a real possibility for the 29 year old fighter.
Rousey received huge calls for retirement, not to mention trolling from Amanda Nunes who defeated her and Cris Cyborg, the fighter who has been taunting her for a match.
It is speculated that one of those fighters may prompt Rousey to come back, but that will obviously take some time.
While her detractors are having a field day at her defeat, her true comrades in the sport want her to return, as shown in this Bleacher Report piece.
Jon Jones has always been a Rousey supporter but other champions like Demetrious Johnson has also aired similar sentiments.
"She needs to come back. It's going to happen, you're going to lose...I think loss is a part of the sport. Obviously, she got knocked the f--k out and it ain't easy to take, but it's part of the sport," Johnson said.
Right now, though, Nunes and Cyborg, both Brazilians, are taking shots at the Rousey, recognized as the face of UFC and Cyborg also wants the same attention for her fellow Brazilian.
Will Rousey return to take a shot at either of them? A rematch with Nunes is more likely.
