Shayna Baszler recently published a new editorial for Combat Press, talking about training partner Ronda Rousey’s loss to Holly holm this past weekend at UFC 193.
She writes about how Ronda gets people into MMA even if she lost, how past all-time greats in other sports compare to her, and much more. You can read a few excerpts below:
Muhammad Ali is considered to be the greatest boxer to have ever lived. He transcended the sport of boxing to become a household name. His antics were looked down on and hated. His remarks were racist and disrespectful in a time of controversial tension. He spoke political views that were not popular. But, here’s the kicker: No one remembers any of that. In fact, the picture of him standing over Sonny Liston while taunting him is one of the most iconic images in all of sports. It’s even used as a background for motivational quotes and inspiration. It would be borderline blasphemous to use it in a meme meant to show arrogance and disrespect. Instead, it is used to symbolize confidence and believing in oneself.
Before you stretch your fingers and get ready to post a “laughable to compare Ali to Ronda Rousey” quote in the comments, at least admit that there are a lot of parallels between the two. Ronda paved a way for how women are viewed in sports. Ali paved a way for how African Americans are viewed in sports. Never before had anyone used the “heel” antics in the sport. His clever catch phrases and quotes are etched in history. Boxers didn’t “sell” fights like that. Neither did women fighters in MMA. Ali said his inspiration for his interviews and antics was pro wrestling’s Gorgeous George, a precursor and huge influence on another famous name: Ric Flair.
Shayna Baszler talks about how Flair and The Horsemen were so great at making people tune in and getting people to talk, how she knows Ronda the person, not just the champion fighter, and much more. Click here for the full article.
