Ronda Rousey is a big name in the world of UFC, where she is the bantamweight champion. But these days, she’s also a rising star in Hollywood, appearing in The Expendables 3, Fast & Furious 7, and a silver-screen adaptation of the HBO hit Entourage. However, Rousey says a summer match against Alexis Davis could greatly affect the rest of her career, both in and out of the ring.
âThe only thing I care about is beating Alexis. My whole fighting career and my whole Hollywood career depend on it,” she said.
Rousey’s impressive stats–9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC–make her a formidable challenger, but Davis says she’s ready to take her on. Davis, a Brazilian jiujitsu black belt, reportedly has the chops to defend herself against Rousey’s armbar.
âI feel great. Iâm privileged to have this opportunity. Whether the fans are behind me or not, Ronda and I are going to have an incredible fight. Either way, something is going to happen that youâre going to be talking about for weeks on end,” Davis said.
Rousey was in headlines last month after rumors began to spread that UFC President Dana White was planning a comeback for Gina Carano, and that her first fight since 2009 would be against Rousey. As the rumor grew, many had something to say about it, including Rousey’s arch rival Miesha Tate, who was afraid that the reasons for the match weren’t the right ones. Tate said that Rousey’s looks and Hollywood status were to blame.
âThe only thing that drives that is theyâre both attractive. It makes the womenâs title hold no value. It makes it look like itâs a joke and they just put whateverâs going to sell. If weâre going to really legitimize womenâs MMA as a sport and have it respected as a sport, then you have to treat it as suchâŠ.womenâs MMA has been working to legitimize ourselves for so long, and we finally broke the ice, weâre finally in the UFC, and weâre getting some credibility. Donât take that away by putting a fight together that is based entirely on looks and has little to nothing to do with skill set,â Tate said.
Davis was chosen for the July 5 match instead, which will take place in Las Vegas. Until then, Rousey will be in training mode and will be putting Hollywood on the back burner. After UFC 175, however, she’ll go back to promoting her projects.
âAll July, I will be doing the song and dance to promote âThe Expendables 3,ââ Rousey said.