Skip to main content

Reactions to Rousey v. Holm from UFC 193 - Holm's Time Helps Sport


Is it possible to be shocked even when you expected the outcome?

That's exactly how I felt this past Saturday night after watching Ronda Rousey receive that devastating kick to the jaw that dropped her heavily, taking her invincibility and reputation with it. I am not looking for praise or attempting to humble-brag, but I did see Holly Holm walking away as the one to take down Rousey. Yes, for you pro wrestling fans, cue your inner Paul Heyman - the one in Rousey's 9-1

Holm's background of being a very skilled boxer and kickboxer lend to the strengths of what many believed was the way to beat Rousey. It reminds me of the years when boxing was fun (remember those?) and the draw that Tyson was. The game plan was the same - control the pace and the fight. Holm did both, obviously frustrating and at one point, infuriating Rousey.

Holm deserves this. And quite frankly, anyone who thinks Rousey is "finished", "washed up", or "overrated" is obviously not paying attention. There is indeed a great opportunity for a rematch once Rousey is ready, especially if Holm is still champ by then. 

Speaking of, for those who came away with taking shots at Rousey, I could not disagree with each of you more. I applaud Rousey for everything she did for the sport of MMA - especially women's MMA. She's taken the realm further than Gina Carano or Christiane "Cyborg" Santos ever have. Most importantly, she's sparked a fire in women to compete and to be bold and brave, especially after her "DNB" comments, which I am totally in support of. 

The greats lose because they fight the best. Even Ali lost. And Rousey, after everything she is and became, ran into a better fighter in Holm. This only helps the sport, and raises everyone's game. I for one cannot wait to see Holm fight again. 

This is Holm's time. And deservedly so. This only helps the sport. It helps the star that is Rousey. And of course, brings to the forefront another super talented women's athlete in Holly Holm. 

Recently Read

Quick Ponder: Man Love

"A man is only loved under the condition that he provide something"  - Chris Rock  Feeling that these days,  with the understanding  of privilege,  and responsibility. 

The Pondering 10 - Wrestling Roster Moves (2024)

2024 was a great year for pro wrestling. So many things are going on, and so many options for whatever you enjoy. For me, pro wrestling felt fun again, especially as my son is now all about the special art form as well.  As 2024 comes to a close, and I begin placing together the traditional posts in the "Most Fascinating Things" and the "Year in Review", I felt it would be fun to drop a new Pondering 10.  In this one, I take a look at the overall landscape of pro wrestling, and fantasy move a wrestler to another company. Again, this is my list. For all of the company tribalists, don't come at me! All in fun!  With that said, here is my Pondering 10:  10. Jonathan Gresham to NWA Gresham's style is unmatched. The dude is old-school and can make technical wrestling look like a modern science happening right before your eyes in storytelling. NWA is still grasping to establish that identity in the landscape by catering to the "old-style" presentation co...

AEW Full Gear 2024 Review: "the potential that resides in this company"

I attended my first AEW show in Full Gear 2024, as the event made its way to the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event was even more special as it was the very first live wrestling event for my son who has very much caught the wrestling bug. One would think being around my interests would be the spark, but I genuinely believe he understands the beauty and magic that is pro wrestling. All of it is evident in his "universe" within his wrestling action figures and his constant intrigue in searching throughout Peacock and TNA+.  All of that to say, neither of us are big AEW viewers. Yes, I have my gripes with the company which I'll share. Also, AEW isn't the most suitable for a six-year-old to watch, so there's that. As a dad, I appreciate WWE and TNA's approach to their product. It doesn't have to be PG, but feeling comfortable leaving my son in front of your product unattended is a big plus. Again, more on this... Back to AEW Full Gear, it was a...