Morning Report: Ronda Rousey 'surprised' how happy she's been being away from fighting
If you were in the camp hoping to see Ronda Rousey take an extended leave after her loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193, you might get your wish.
Rousey's only been a pro since 2011 but was one of the most active UFC champions as she became the mainstream face of MMA. Her look, dominance and attitude made her the sport's biggest star in short time and it may have finally caught up with her.
"MMA? Yea, they've been making me go non-stop," Rousey told MMA Junkie. "I mean, my first year I fought six times. I feel like I've been burning the candle at both ends for a long time. In Judo, I took a good period of time off after the Beijing Olympics and I feel like I'm bodily and mentally in a similar space where it's just what I need right now."
That post-Olympic break in 2008 is what Rousey has referred to as a time she didn't think she "could get any lower."
A total 180 from a life of strict discipline, Rousey has said she spent those next two years "partying," smoking, drinking and developing a Vicodin habit. But it was also during that time she discovered MMA and fell back in love with competition.
"It's been surprising to me how happy I've been being away from [fighting]," said Rousey. "I'm being purposefully mysterious right now because I think people have taken my availability for granted, and I've kind of just wanted to disappear."
5 MUST-READ STORIES
The MMA Beat. The panel discusses Ronda Rousey's latest comments, Bellator 149, Rampage Jackson, Alistair Overeem, Aljamain Sterling, Wanderlei Silva and more.
Drug tests, brain scans and weight variances. Marc Raimondi explains how Royce Gracie vs. Ken Shamrock 3 came together.
All is well. Conor McGregor says rumors of a sour relationship with the UFC are "all horse sh*t."
No GLORY, no problem. Bellator announces the launch of Bellator Kickboxing to begin airing on SPIKE TV.
The boss. Scott Coker talks Kimbo Slice-Dada 5000, free agency plans, Rampage Jackson, kickboxing and more.
MEDIA STEW
Joe Rogan previews Cerrone vs. Oliveira.
Cerrone responds to McGregor's comments about him quitting against Dos Anjos.
Aljamain Sterling and Al Iaquinta break down the Cowboy vs. Cowboy card.
Ronda doing motion capture work for EA UFC 2.
Weigh-ins from Bellator 149.
TTTHS.
Long watches.
Motus V with Nick The Tooth - Kenny Florian: Exile the Ego!
...
Joe Rogan Experience #761 - Bas Rutten
...
TWEETS
Congrats.
Hey there! Pick up the March issue of Cosmo magazine and turn to page 24 or just check out the photos here....... ☺️
Posted by Holly Holm on Thursday, February 18, 2016
The big guns.
"I have to make an apology to everyone - I was sent a picture to share on social for Fallon that was altered without me knowing to make my arms look smaller. I won't say by who - I know it was done with severely misplaced positive intentions - but this goes against everything I believe and I am extremely proud of every inch of my body. And I can assure you all it will never happen again. I could not be more appalled and hope you all forgive me"
Remember it's SUNDAY.
Cerrone vs Oliveira this SUNDAY live and free on @FS1!!! pic.twitter.com/UF9YqkU2FQ
— Dana White (@danawhite) February 18, 2016
Get well soon.
Feels normal! Just getting back into the swing of things. Starting cardio and light grappling soon https://t.co/DpjwLqNahO
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) February 18, 2016
Very tough stuff.
#vlog excerpt #singlemom #yourmajesty #realtalk #ufc #mma #whenshitgetsreal
Posted by Angela Magana on Thursday, February 18, 2016
Why not?
Guess who's been working on his #kickboxing game??? #LetsSeeHowGoodIReallyAm!!! #TheOnceAndFutureKing https://t.co/oQYzbCBzka
— TheOnceAndFutureKing (@BensonHenderson) February 18, 2016
Very cool.
At the VA hospital watching Norm 73 years old throw hands with @jonavinwebb @ChrisCamozzi @Cowboycerrone @ufc pic.twitter.com/m2H327uyPK
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) February 18, 2016
No. 1 fan.
"Can't wait to see the legend @realroyce throw down tomorrow at @bellatormma 149 live on @spike @6levels pic.twitter.com/M73nXzJWpJ
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) February 18, 2016
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Feb. 18 2016)
Efrain Escudero vs. Kevin Lee at UFC 197
Cezar Ferreira vs. Caio Magalhaes at UFC on FOX 19
Drew Dober vs. Islam Makhachev at UFC on FOX 19
Danny Roberts vs. Dominique Steele at UFC 197
Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.