Ronda Rousey stands firm on GOAT status and criticizes direction of women’s MMA

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is not backing down from calling herself the greatest of all time. On a recent episode of Bertcast with comedian Bert Kreischer in October 2025, Rousey said she’s tired of people questioning her legacy.

She explained that being the “greatest ever” isn’t about comparing eras but about dominance and timing. “I was the most dominant and farthest ahead of my time,” she said. “I’ll die on that hill.”From 2013 to 2015, Rousey went on one of the most dominant runs in MMA history, defending her title six times and finishing five opponents in the first round. Though her losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes ended her reign, her impact on women’s MMA remains unmatched.

Rousey says her fight was never just in the cage; it was about opening doors for every woman who came after her.

Ronda Rousey defends her GOAT title and reignites debate over women’s MMA dominance

Speaking on Bertcast, Rousey said she wasn’t surprised when fans criticized her for calling herself the GOAT. “Everyone flipped out over it,” she said. “But how do you define greatness? To me, it’s about dominance and being ahead of your time.” She reminded listeners that no other woman had done what she did during her championship stretch.

Rousey claimed her run changed women’s MMA forever, saying, “Every woman fighting in the UFC today is standing in a spot that didn’t exist before me.”

Her statement reignited debate across MMA forums and social media. Some fans supported her, while others said fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Amanda Nunes have surpassed her achievements.Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen shared his view on his YouTube channel. He said fans didn’t “turn” on Rousey, they just followed whoever was winning. “They don’t hate you,” Sonnen explained. “They were never with you, and they never loved you. That’s just how being a fan works.”

Ronda Rousey criticizes “safe” approach in women’s MMA

Rousey also pointed out what she sees as a major problem in today’s women’s MMA scene. “A lot of women are trying to be as inoffensive as possible,” she said. Also Read: Andrew Tate Becomes New Misfits Boxing CEO After Old KSI Tweet Leads To Explosive Company Takeover“That’s how we almost lost women’s MMA.” She believes the sport needs bold voices who aren’t afraid to take risks. “You have to make your space, not ask for space,” she added.For Ronda Rousey, the fire that made her era special is fading. Her message was clear, today’s fighters shouldn’t just fight for wins, but fight loud enough to be remembered.