Ronda Rousey Hangs Up the Gloves to Raise Her Kids

When Ronda Rousey stepped into the cage for the first time ten years ago, she could hardly have imagined the path it would carve—not just for her career, but for her family. The 33‑year‑old veteran of the UFC announced on Monday that she is retiring from professional mixed‑martial arts, choosing to devote her energy to raising her two young children.

"This decision wasn’t easy," Rousey said in a candid interview with the Washington Times. "I love fighting, I love the sport, but there’s a part of me that’s been yearning to be fully present for my kids. They’re growing so fast, and I want to be there for every scraped knee and bedtime story."

Rousey’s record speaks for itself: 18 wins, 6 losses, and a handful of memorable knockouts that earned her a reputation as a relentless striker. Highlights include her stunning TKO over former contender Maya Delgado in 2022 and a hard‑fought split‑decision victory against rising star Jenna Kline in 2024.

Fans, however, will likely remember the moments beyond the stats—her habit of signing autographs for young girls after events, and the way she’d pause mid‑fight to give a nod to a child waving from the crowd. Those little gestures have cemented her status as a role model for women in combat sports.

Beyond the octagon, Rousey has been vocal about mental‑health challenges faced by athletes. "The pressure, the grind… it can wear you down," she explained. "I’ve learned that taking care of yourself off the mat is just as important as training on it." Her retirement, she added, is also a chance to focus on her own well‑being, something she hopes will inspire others to prioritize self‑care.

Looking ahead, the former champion plans to stay connected to MMA, albeit in a different capacity. She’s already in talks to launch a youth training program in her hometown of Austin, Texas, aimed at teaching discipline and confidence to kids through martial arts. "I want to give back,” she said, “and maybe help a future champion find their own balance between sport and life."

While the MMA world will miss the roar of her entrance music and the precision of her jab, Rousey’s legacy will likely endure through the young athletes she mentors and the countless girls who saw a fighter who could also be a devoted mother.