Ronda Rousey uses Bethe Correia jibe about father's suicide as motivation to deliver 34 second knockout in Brazil at UFC 190
'I hope that nobody really brings up my family anymore when it comes to fights,' said Rousey who won her 12th fight
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.UFC champion Ronda Rousey said she 'hopes' that no one will bring up her family as a way to taunt her in the build-up to fights.
Rousey took just 34 seconds to knock out Brazilian Bethe Correia to retain her undefeated status at UFC 190 on Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro.
The 28-year-old had gleaned extra motivation after Correia had taunted her over the suicide of her father - although later claimed she had no idea that he had done so.
"I hope that nobody really brings up my family anymore when it comes to fights," said Rousey after the victory. "I hope this is the last time."
Rousey responded on social media with Correia immediately issuing an apology and stating that she wasn't aware her father had committed suicide, but UFC president Dana White said the Brazilian "absolutely did" know.
"She's been playing that game," he said ahead of the fight. "There's people that are really good at playing the head games. Conor McGregor is one of the best I've ever seen. And Bethe has been doing that for sure. But Ronda is a tough one to do it with. Ronda is one of the most mentally strong human beings I've ever met in my life."
Also spurred on by the death of idol former WWE wrestler 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, Rousey defended her bantamweight title by throwing a rapid sequence of punches at the Brazilian's head, landing a combination of right and left strikes that sent her opponent face-first into the ground and disappointed the local fans packing the HSBC Arena.
It was yet another impressive performance by Rousey, who improved to 12-0 in her incredible MMA career. She has been crushing her opponents inside the octagon, but this victory seemed special.
"We've lost a really close friend, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, who gave me his permission to use his name as a fighter, so I hope he and my dad had a good time watching this today," Rousey said.
The UFC's biggest star, Rousey arrived in Rio as the overwhelming favorite against Correia (9-1) after winning her previous three title defenses in a combined 96 seconds. She needed only 14 seconds to beat Cat Zingano at UFC184 earlier this year.
"It kind of went how I expected it," Rousey said. "I planned to instead of trying to force a clinch, overwhelm her (by) striking first so that she would want to clinch first, and that's exactly what happened."
Rousey, who has been redefining the sport, has won 11 of her fights in the first round while being taken to the third round once. She has finished most of her opponents with her signature armbar, but this time it was her striking force that made the difference.
"I guess she can't really say anything about my hands anymore," Rousey said of Correia.
Rousey's next opponent will likely be fellow American Miesha Tate.
Additional reporting from PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments