Ronda Rousey acknowledges the importance of looks in women’s MMA

Strikeforce featherweight Ronda Rousey is a lot of things, an Olympic medalist in Judo, and an undefeated Mixed Martial Artist being two of them. However, Rousey believes she possesses a characteristic as important as her credentials making her a logical choice to face bantamweight champion Miesha Tate rather than giving the shot to Sarah Kaufman as had been originally planned – good looks.

Rousey explained herself earlier today on The MMA Hour where the 4-0 grappler laid it all out on the table.

“I’m not dumb, you’re not dumb,” said Rousey. “Really, if we push the ‘hot chicks’ to fight each other for a title, it’s going to get a lot of attention. That’s why I’d rather fight Miesha for a title instead of Sarah Kaufman. Because she’s good looking and she’s marketable. More marketable than the vast majority of the girls in women’s MMA. I think that’d be a huge fight and it would lead to an eventual fight between me and Cris Cyborg (Santos) being an even bigger deal. I’m just trying to figure out the right way to do things so us girl fighters have some job security a few years from now.”

The 24-year old called Tate out after snapping Julia Budd’s arm this past weekend at Strikeforce Challengers 20 and is adamant in her ability to drop down to 135 pounds if given an opportunity to face “Takedown” or Kaufman with a top contender’s spot on the line.

Check Out Rousey Demonstrating/Teaching One of her Devastating Armbar Techniques

“Style-wise I think I would do the best against Miesha,” Rousey revealed. “I think that a very good striker that has very good footwork and deals with distance well would probably give me the most trouble. But I think a girl with a grappling style like Miesha would be perfect for me, because I don’t think she’s better than me in any category.”

Tate went on Twitter shortly after Rousey’s public challenge and also responded to today’s comments, writing, “I’m hoping (fans) appreciate me for more than just that, it doesn’t win me fights to look good,” adding, “If you add up all four of (Rousey’s) fights it’s a 14-8 record. Marloes Coenen by herself is 19-5 against tougher girls,” while referencing her own title-win against the former Dutch champion.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC