Dana White Reveals Emotional Backstage Moment With Ronda Rousey

Watching Ronda Rousey’s performance at UFC 207 was tough. Even critics of Rousey would agree, seeing Amanda Nunes destroy her like that was gruesome. Following such a devastating loss, questions about retirement have again been raised.

Having last competed at UFC 193 in November 2015, ‘Rowdy’ had 411 days of inactivity. Many felt she would have worked on her striking during that time, which has also led to speculation about Edmond Tarverdyan.

Hard Loss

Speaking after UFC 207, Ronda Rousey’s mom said her daughter had plenty of support. Preparing for a fearsome striker like Nunes was never going to be easy, but this loss is potentially going to be extremely hard.

UFC president Dana White spoke up after the weekend, telling ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that he spent a long time with Rousey backstage.

Quotes below:

Dana White’s Comments

“I must have tears, blood and boogers all over my f—ing jacket. I went in there and hugged her for 45 minutes,” White said. “then I told her, ‘I love you so much, and whatever you want to do next, I got your back. You built this. This doesn’t exist without you. You’re the best decision I ever made.’”

Since joining the UFC in 2013, Rousey has been undoubtedly the biggest attraction. Even with Conor McGregor’s massive draw, Rousey’s return is expected to shatter the all-time pay-per-view record.

White continues:

She’s a Winner

“(It) wasn’t her night, and none of this would be here without Ronda Rousey,” White said. “Ronda Rousey built this. She talked me into letting women come into the UFC, and it was the smartest thing I’ve ever done. Regardless of whether she comes back, she doesn’t come back – she’s a winner. She built this whole thing.”

After all the drama and media hype, Rousey’s comeback was not a great idea. Maybe she should have waited longer. The sad thing is now, we may never know.