The Ronda Rousey vs. Man debate has been a hot topic ever since Joe Rogan claimed the Judo ace ‘might be able to beat 50 percent’ of the male bantamweight roster. And on the eve of her sixth title defense against undefeated Brazilian, Bethe Correia at UFC 190, it’s still a focal talking point.
NBA mega star LeBron James recently admitted his fear of introducing himself to Rousey at the ESPY awards in case she were to ‘kick his butt’. Irish interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor, however, had no problem greeting the former Olympian, but admits to feeling a little intimidated during the encounter.
“I swear on my life her back muscles were the most solid back muscles I’d ever felt in my life,’ he told SI Now. ‘I thought if this lady was to get a hold of me, she would throw me on my head in literally one second flat.”
“So I would not like to engage in a clinch fight with Ronda.”
Ronda Rousey has established herself as the leading figurehead of WMMA and she’s also building her reputation in the Hollywood circle. As well as ruling the women’s bantamweight throne, the 28-year-old has starred in blockbuster movies such as Furious 7 and Entourage, and has been cast alongside Mark Wahlberg to star in the upcoming ‘Mile 22’ movie.
Conor McGregor has nothing but respect for what Rousey has accomplished and feels they both rule their respective divisions.
“Ronda is certainly an absolute animal, and she is a special individual,’ added McGregor. ‘Two-time ESPYS winner, undefeated champion, dominant, finishes all opponents, movie star. I mean Ronda is unbelievable.”
“She has created the women’s game. Without her, all these women still would be going without food at night.
“But make no mistake about it: On the man’s side of the game, there’s only one, and that’s me. I hold every number in the game.”
Ronda Rousey is set to lock horns with Bethe Correia for the women’s bantamweight championship on August 1st at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Conor McGregor is expected to challenge pound for pound #1 Jose Aldo for the official featherweight title after concluding the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Europe vs Team USA.
When asked about facing Rousey in the Octagon, the Dubliner admits he’d have his work cut out for him. “Make no mistake about it,” he said. “I have my ways to win that fight, too.’
(Transcripts via the DailyMail)
About the author
