Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ronda Rousey may have suffered her first UFC defeat of the weekend, after she was knocked out by Holly Holm to lose her UFC bantamweight title, but it's not all bad for Rousey, she has now overtaken Maria Sharapova as officially the most popular female athlete on social media.
The American Rousey, 27, now has 18,158,531 fans, which is now above tennis star Sharapova who previously held the top position (18,074,264)
Rousey's fans come from:
- Ronda Rousey 18,158,531
- Maria Sharapova: 18,074,264
- Serena Williams: 12,129,030
- Alex Morgan: 7,296,164
- Jessica Ennis-Hill: 3,022,167
Rousey has promised to return to the Octagon after suffering the first defeat of her UFC career in a devastating finish by Holm, but not before she takes a break from the sport.
Undefeated Rousey went into the bout a heavy favourite with the bookmakers’ after winning all 12 of her previous fights. However, Holm stunned the world with a brutal kick that knocked out Rousey after displaying the perfect game plan to out-box the 28-year-old American.
Rousey was taken to hospital after the fight where she was seen by a plastic surgeon regarding the horrific facial injuries she suffered, but after staying overnight it was confirmed that she had not suffered a concussion or any other serious injuries other than a nasty gash to her lip.
Speaking on Monday after losing her bantamweight title during the UFC 193 clash in Melbourne, Rousey said on Instagram: “I just wanted to thank everyone for the love and support. I appreciate the concerns about my health, but I'm fine. As I had mentioned before, I'm going to take a little bit of time, but I'll be back.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments