Alright, let's decompose this conversation. First, we have the (fairly common) view that Ronda is excessively braggadocious and unsportsmanlike. I will argue (with sources) that she is in fact complimentary of opponents who don’t cross the line first, and that she has displayed far less arrogance than many of the luminaries of the sport including Dan Henderson, Conor McGregor, and others. I will conjecture that her portrayal in the media as overly arrogant is likely the by-product of overt sexism; this portrayal is almost note-for-note parallel to that of early Muhammad Ali, which was motivated by racism. Second, we have the claim that the mere fact that Ronda contemplated suicide is disgraceful. I will show evidence that these kind of thoughts are quite common among high achievers in general and athletes after a loss in particular. Further, I will argue that Ronda’s particular response was exacerbated by two psychopathological conditions: an ongoing and permanent persecution complex, and acute post-concussive depression.
There are many possible quotes from Rousey that illustrate her arrogance. She has said numerous times over the past few years: “I am the greatest fighter [in the world/of all time/in women’s combat]”. However, the most pertinent quote to the discussion is from Instagram post weigh-in and pre-fight about Holly: “Fake ass cheap shotting fake respect fake humility bitch – “preacher’s daughter” my ass – I see through your fake sweet act now – you’re getting your ass kicked tomorrow, and I’m really going to enjoy the beating I give you.” This seems pretty cocky when taken out of context, but isn’t actually that bad. First, here’s the cheap shot she was referring to (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGA_hYE9fpI ). Holly pushed Ronda’s jaw with her fist. Not a big deal, but enough to piss off an amped-up, perennially-persecuted Rousey (more on that later). In context, she was angry and motivating herself to fight, so she vilified her opponent. For comparison, let’s look at what some other (male) fighters have said. Conor McGregor: “On March 5th I will behead Rafael Dos Anjos, I will drag his head through the streets of Rio de Janeiro through a parade of people.” Frank Mir: “I hate who he is as a person. I want to break his neck in the ring. I want him to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries.” Josh Barnett: “I go to Australia a fighter...I come back a murderer.” Chael Sonnen: “I'm about to come down there and whoop your ass in a second. ... Real talk, stupid. Speak English. I don't speak ghetto.” Is Ronda more arrogant than these men? Maybe, but not by any significant measure.
Let’s take a look at what Ronda said about Holly before the weigh-ins:
"Since day one I've been watching her, she's been undefeated to this point. She's been really impressive to how she's adapted to MMA and gone from just pure boxing to head kick knockouts and seeing how she's come into the UFC, I know she's the type of a fighter I want to test myself against.” (
http://goo.gl/ld7gGd )
Hmmm, pretty complimentary. But that’s just an isolated incident, right? Nope.
“She’s a nice chick, I don’t have anything against her. She’s just a nice chick that’s going to lose… she’s a 19-time boxing world champion with 100% takedown defence and headkick knockouts. She’s undefeated, an amazing, and definitely the biggest threat to me.” (
https://goo.gl/HjAo4i )
And it isn’t just Holly; she has been complimentary about nearly all of her opponents:
(McMann): "I couldn't be more excited than to have an athlete on Sara's level to test myself against. It raises the whole level for everyone. I don't have a bad thing to say about her." (
http://goo.gl/1mYc2J )
She wasn’t complimentary towards Bethe Correia, mainly because of this:
Bethe Correia: “When her mother put pressure on her, she ran away from home. When she lost, it was to drugs. She even suffered from a food compulsion… Please, don’t kill yourself.” (
http://goo.gl/u98VGK)
Rousey’s response: “Suicide is no joke or selling point. My father will be with me the day I hand you the comeuppance you deserve.”
Yeah, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t touch gloves or shake hands with someone who made fun of my shitty childhood. Hell, I bet even *Brandon McKraffren* wouldn’t shake hands after that.
*More Later*
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