The kick even the deaf heard

Debuting in 2012, Ronda Rousey, gifted with movie star looks, changed the landscape of the human version of cockfighting, popularly known as mixed martial arts.  Depending on which side of the fence you’re at, Rowdy Ronda could either be arrogant or lovable, a poor sport or a determined fighter, or just simply focused.  Always the instigator, she fights with so much hostility that she makes quick work of her opponents en route to a 12-0 record.

Rousey’s rise to glory landed her several movie roles, published an autobiography and lots of commercial endorsements and television appearances.  She speaks without reservations and had in the process, collected a good number of haters.  Her well documented verbal jousts with another loud-mouthed, undefeated boxer grab headlines on the sports pages.  Because of the hype she generated, her bouts get top billing. 

Enter UFC 193.  Facing another undefeated fighter in Holly Holm, sparks flew even a day before the fight.  Heated words were exchanged during the staredown after the weigh-in.  Holm’s elbow touched Rousey’s nose and naturally, the aggressor that she was, resented the nose job.  The usual cooler heads with silly smiles on their faces prevented the premature match.

The bell sounded for the first round and as always, Rousey refused to touch gloves.  Looking for a quick win, she attacked and attacked, chasing Holm, at the same time absorbing headshots and hard facial massages.  Holm was calculating, defending and weaving, putting to work her boxing skills.  The round ended with Rousey’s face puffed.

The second round started with Rousey still on assault mode.  59 seconds later, Holm saw daylight, unleashed a wicked kick to Rousey’s head, and bam!  She fell to the canvass like the rotting sacks of donated rice at the CICC.  Holm then dropped down and followed up with several headshots to the prone and unconscious Rousey where the ref quickly stopped the beating.

Rousey relied on her wrestling skills and submission holds, and mainly on her defiant aggression.  Holm was the thinking fighter, looking and waiting for the right moment.  Rousey needs to improve on her defensive and boxing skills.  Games or fights are not always won by aggressiveness.  Sometimes, the best defense is the best offense.

Even before Rousey recovered from her stupor, haters and bashers filled cyberspace with their good-for-you, you-deserve-it messages.  Bitter rival Meisha Tate provided a colorful and profanity-laden message.  Even Donald Trump, Lady Gaga and Leila Ali joined the bashing game that it prompted Holm to ask the haters to stop the bashing.

Surprise, surprise.  Floyd Mayweather, Jr., perhaps in a “sincere” effort to end the battle of words, offered to train Rousey the finer points of boxing.  Maybe teach her escape and evasion tactics?   Will Manny Pacquiao allow himself to be left behind with the tutorials?

Rousey is now suspended for six months by the UFC for medical reasons.  Depending on CT scan results, the suspension may be lifted but she still can’t fight within 60 days.  Surely, she will be fighting again and will be in good form, perhaps a little wiser and much more careful.  In all likelihood, a Holm-Rousey 2 could already be in the works.  Rowdy Ronda Rousey is so used to winning that coming back from a devastating and painful defeat could be difficult.  Question is, will she still be displaying the same cockiness and swagger that has defined her?  Will she be still rowdy?