Ronda Rousey makes history by becoming the first woman in the UFC Hall of Fame

R. Rousey (photo) was the first woman to be contacted by the UFC in 2013. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @rondarousey

During the UFC ceremony on Thursday night, six inductees received the Ultimate Hall of Fame trophy. Ronda Rousey she was the only one who made history, being the first fighter to be part of the organization's select group of former athletes.

Rousey was introduced by the president of Ultimate, Dana White, who praised the fighter's achievements in defending the bantamweight belt on six occasions. He also stated that he “made a mistake” in denying that there would be female MMA in the UFC and highlighted the success of women led by Ronda. She was the first woman to be contacted by the organization.

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Ronda Rousey makes history and is the first woman in the UFC Hall of Fame

“In my 18 years working at the UFC I learned one thing: never say never. I said a woman wouldn't fight in the UFC, but I didn't know anyone named Ronda Rousey. She put women on the map. A spectacular impact, an impact of Mike Tyson. For many women around the world, Ronda Rousey It means revolution, with an immense capacity for inspiration. She's beautiful, talented, tough. She is the most feisty woman I have ever seen in my life. She’s amazing,” Dana said.

In your speech, Ronda Rousey moved the audience by thanking everyone for their support and affection. She said that women were able to 'fight like girls' and conquered a space that previously did not exist.

“I'm not a person who usually struggles to find words, but I would like to thank you very much. The only reason I had an impact on the world was because you stopped at some point and gave your time to me. Because of you, I am here as the first woman to receive this type of honor. This sport, this revolution, together we have the possibility of being strong, sexy. And we are able to fight like girls. The most incredible moments of my career were with you. You guys inspired me. And everything you saw in me, I saw in you. And I want to say that you are beautiful, no matter what anyone says. And even when it seems like it's the end of the world, it's not. Not the end of the world. When someone says you can't do something, I want to prove that you can. Every time I entered the octagon, it was to make them proud. None of this would be possible without you. It was only possible because you watched me”, thanked Rousey.

I had so many more to thank than I could have used the time I had the stage for. Everyone I know personally, I can thank in person... last night was for YOU. Thank YOU for watching and letting the adventures of this Venetian judoka with a bad reputation change the world🙏🏼❤

A publication shared by rondarousey (@rondarousey) on Jul 6, 2018 at 3:31 pm PDT

Dan Henderson and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua receive the best fight award

Dan Henderson received the award for best fight for his clash with Mauricio Shogun Rua at UFC 139 in November 2011. In his speech, Hendo thanked Shogun for his company in the two fights they had together. He admitted it took him a while to understand the magnitude of what they accomplished together.

“To be honest, at the time of the fight I never think it was that emotional and special, but in interviews, I saw people talking about it. And I said: I need to go home and watch some things about the fight again. Afterwards, when I watched the fight at home, calmly, I could understand why the fans were talking so much about it. Shogun is a tough guy, always. When you go through a struggle like this, you gain a lot of confidence to move forward in your career. Henderson and Shogun, these two names will be together forever. I want to thank him. We had two great fights and I feel very honored by that. Thank you to my family, my team. This is for them too. I want to thank the UFC, but, above all, the fans, for recognizing what Shogun and I did together. Something we will never forget. Thank you,” said Henderson.

Matt Serra joins the category of MMA pioneers

Matt Serra is the 15th member of the Pioneers category in a career that has included winning The Ultimate Fighter 4 and many impressive performances in the Octagon. The most important is the knockout over George St-Pierre in 2007.

The honoree entered the stage with the theme song from the film “Rocky”. In his speech, Matt Serra made a point of highlighting the importance that Brazilian Renzo Gracie had in his life and career. Renzo was his coach and taught him the secrets of jiu-jitsu.

“You've heard of Renzo Gracie. Renzo changed my life. I worked early in the morning, slept a little and got on with my life. One day Renzo saw me training and said: “You train very badly, man (sic)”. I don’t know what “rapá” means (laughs). And then it all started and my life changed. I remember my first international jiu-jitsu championship. Renzo showed up after my first fight and said: “I came here to see you. If you come second, congratulations! You are the first loser (laughs)” Renzo was an amazing guy. When you have someone like Renzo Gracie believing in you, you can’t complain about anything”, explained Serra.

When considered a pioneer, Serra made fun of his age. “That means I was in the trenches. I was at the forefront. This also means I’m getting old (laughs),” said Serra. Jokes aside, Matt thanked those who helped him achieve greatness and felt honored to be in the company of legends.

Art Davie and Bruce Connal honored for their contributions to Ultimate

Art Davie, co-founder of the UFC, recalled the evolution of MMA over the last three decades and, like Serra, paid homage to the Gracie family. He talked about the partnership with jiu-jitsu master Rorian Gracie that ended up becoming the UFC.

“I found him in a magazine: Rorion Gracie! Rorion had a gym just three blocks from my office. He could show the Gracie jiu-jitsu to the whole world – said Art, who at another point in the speech asked for applause for Royce gracie, Rorion’s brother and champion of UFCs 1, 2 and 4”, said Davie.

Additionally, Davie thanked the 1.793 fighters who have fought in the Octagon over the past 25 years for all of their contributions, as well as the fans.

Bruce Connal was an important television producer, who participated in the development of MMA in the American media. Bruce died in March of this year, aged 61, a victim. His family took the stage for speeches that recalled Bruce's passion and dedication throughout his career.