Ronda Rousey, reflecting on her MMA career and subsequent health issues, reveals that a history of concussions and migraines, exacerbated by her family’s epilepsy, led to neurological problems that influenced her decision to retire, but she is now hopeful for improvement with new medical insights.
Ronda Rousey took a lot of hits towards the end of her MMA career, and until recently, she wasn’t fully aware of the damage. It’s been over eight years since her last fight, ending with knockout losses to Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. Critics often questioned her exit from the sport.
After losing to Holm, Rousey vanished for a year, only to return and face another defeat by Nunes. That was her final UFC fight. In interviews and her memoir, Rousey attributes her health issues to concussions from her judo days, long before MMA.
With help from UFC CEO Dana White, Rousey has learned about her neurological issues. These problems go beyond just the concussions she suffered in the octagon. “I don’t have any regrets,” she told UNTAPPED. She needed to understand her condition before explaining it to others.
Dana White connected her to a neurological study, which provided crucial insights. Rousey realized she didn’t have all the information back then. She did her best with what she knew. Interestingly, a family history of epilepsy compounded her issues.
A doctor at the Cleveland Clinic offered some clarity. People prone to migraines are more susceptible to concussions, and Rousey was caught in a vicious cycle. Bright lights and head impacts, common in fights, triggered her migraines, affecting her vision and decision-making.
The doctor suggested these impacts might trigger migraine events, causing her neurons to overreact and then shut down. This revelation was a game changer. She feared inevitable decline but now sees potential solutions.
Before her last two fights, Rousey was a massive MMA star, winning her first 12 bouts and defending her title six times. She had iconic moments, finishing opponents in under a minute. Post-MMA, she enjoyed a successful WWE career.
Rousey is now consulting specialists to better understand her condition. Although she’s unlikely to fight again, she’s hopeful about improving her quality of life. “I’m much more hopeful than I’ve ever been,” she said, looking forward to a brighter future.