Inspired by Royce Gracie, Ronda wants to leave a legacy for women's MMA

R. Rousey (photo) hasn't known defeat since she debuted in MMA. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey was the most important name for women to finally work in the biggest MMA organization on the planet. Whenever possible, president Dana White reinforces Ronda's role in this big step for the event and highlights the strength of the undefeated fighter's image. But Rousey wants to go further. In a press conference call to promote UFC 168, the first holder of a women's Ultimate belt stated that she is inspired by Royce gracie and wants to leave a great legacy for women in sport.

“I want women's wrestling to still be happening 20 years from now, and I want to appreciate it the same way I see it. Royce gracie enjoying it when you sit in the front row to watch the UFC fights. I really want to be able to sit back and have that look of satisfaction, have that smile on my face that I see on Royce when he's at events,” said Ronda. “I don’t want to leave the sport like this (helpless). I have already achieved a lot, and I am thinking beyond the present, I am thinking about how I want to leave a kind of legacy”, she added.

Rousey also stated that she wants to retire without any defeat and leave the sport in the hands of people she considers capable. “I feel like I still have this weight on my shoulders. When I no longer feel that responsibility, I will start thinking about walking away. I will retire undefeated. None of these girls have the right to beat me under any circumstances, and I will not allow them to. I will fight until I feel like I have done everything, and when that happens, I will step aside and leave the sport in the hands of very capable people,” she concluded.

On December 28th, Ronda puts her unbeaten record on the line against her biggest rival, Miesha Tate. The clash valid for the women's bantamweight belt, which also marks the duel between the TUF 18 coaches, is the co-main fight of UFC 168, which takes place in Las Vegas (USA). In the main event of the night, the Brazilian Anderson Silva has the most important rematch of his career, against the American, and current middleweight champion, Chris Weidman.