When I looked at the state of women's MMA, what I saw was that it was missing rivalries or anything theatrical about it. Everybody was trying to be Miss America, unwilling to go under any kind of criticism, and taking the safe answers. I thought I needed to do whatever I could to get attention.
Interpretation
Ronda Rousey emphasizes the need for drama and rivalry in women's MMA to attract more attention and excitement.
In this quote, Ronda Rousey reflects on the early state of women's mixed martial arts (MMA), suggesting that it lacked the rivalries and theatrical elements that engage audiences. She criticizes the trend of women in the sport striving for overly polished images rather than embracing the challenge of criticism, highlighting her belief that success in the sport requires not only skill but also the ability to stand out and create a compelling narrative.
In practice
During a motivational speech for aspiring athletes, one could use this quote to inspire them to embrace their uniqueness and stand out in their sports.
When I was in school, martial arts made you a dork, and I became self-conscious that I was too masculine. I was a 16-year-old girl with ringworm and cauliflower ears. People made fun of my arms and called me 'Miss Man.' It wasn't until I got older that I realized: These people are idiots. I'm fabulous.
I never really liked weightlifting because there is no problem solving, whereas when I am fighting, I am trying to solve a problem, so I don't think about being tired. I box, wrestle, do jujitsu, run up sand dunes; every single day is something different so that I am mentally engaged. That's what makes me want to train longer.
People say to me all the time, 'You have no fear.' I tell them, 'No, that's not true. I'm scared all the time. You have to have fear in order to have courage. I'm a courageous person because I'm a scared person.'
A belt does nothing but hold your gi together. A belt has assigned significance, a belt is someone else saying you're good, you don't need other people saying that you're good in order to be good.
They may be smarter than you. They may have more money than you. They may come from a different city or a better family. But they can NEVER outwork you. And they can NEVER outprepare you. And they just can't outpractice you. And that's why you'll win.
Choose action, not rest. Choose the good in life in all things, and choose the opportunity as well as the chance to work when springtime smiles on your face.
The way I look at it is that somebody in the world, no matter what your field is - teacher, violinist, football player - has to be the best. Why not me?
I don't think that once you get to one level, you can relax. You've got to keep pushing.
After I lost in 2018, I told everyone that it just gave me jet fuel, and that when I come back, I'm coming back full throttle.
Go ahead and act as if your decisions are temporary. Because they are. Be bold, make mistakes, learn a lesson, and fix what doesn't work. No sweat, no need to hyperventilate.
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