Ronda Rousey inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion becomes the first woman in history to be presented at the UFC Hall of Fame

Ronda Rousey was presented last night at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony (Ultimate Fighting Championship) on the occasion of its introduction into the cast of mixed martial arts legends. During the evening Bruce Connal, Art Davie, Matt Serra and Dan Henderson with Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for their fight at UFC 139 were also introduced. Rousey made his final appearance as the headliner was previously presented by the president of UFC Dana White and addressed some words to the audience and their fans in general.

“I am not the first person who had the ability to do this, but I am here because I am the first person you took the time to watch,” Rousey told the crowd at the Pearl Theatre during her induction speech. “That you put the energy into supporting. Because of you, I am the first woman standing up here accepting this incredible honor. May I be the first of many.”

Once the ceremony was over, Ronda sent a message to the WWE Universe, indicating his quick return to his new job: wrestling. “Thank you very much for this honor,” she said. “I can not say more than how grateful I am, but right now I’m rushing to the airport to go to a WWE event in Philly.

After three amateur fights, she made his professional debut in March 2011. With two record wins she came to Strikeforce as one of the most promising talents at 135 pounds. Her powerful Armbar brought her to fame and in her fifth match, she faced Miesha Tate for the Strikeforce belt, which she wrestled with the same submission in the first round, as in her other duels. Sarah Kaufman was her only defense in this promoter before performing in the UFC.

From February 2013 to August 2015 she defended the belt six times: three with armbar and three by knockout. She lost the belt to Holly Holm at UFC 193 and a year later was defeated by Amanda Nunes, but her legacy is undeniable. Rousey was an important piece for women’s MMA to reach the UFC. Her talent, character, and personality took her to the top and in July she will be recognized for her successful journey.

“In my almost 18 years as UFC president, I’ve learned many valuable lessons,” White said as he presented Rousey. “And the one that comes to mind tonight is never say never, especially when you’re talking to UFC. In my defense, when I famously said women would never fight in the UFC, I had never met Ronda Rousey. I had never met the woman who would change everything. She started by changing my mind and she ended up changing the world.”