10 Questions With Ronda Rousey (8/7/2011)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Ronda Rousey (by Darrick Patrick)

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey is a professional mixed martial artist who has competed in organizations such as King of the Cage and Hard Knocks Fighting Championship. She also appeared in the 2008 Olympic Games and went on to win an Olympic medal in Judo. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Sarah D'Alelio at Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Duarte on August 12th, 2011.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to professional mixed martial arts competition?

Ronda: After the 2008 Olympics, I took a year off from Judo thinking that a year of being home and being "normal" would rekindle my motivation to compete in the sport. I tried returning to Judo in late 2009, but was still pretty miserable. I then moved back to Los Angeles, considering both being a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard or MMA as possible alternate careers. Since joining the Coast Guard was a commitment I couldn't back out of, I decided to try mixed martial arts first.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Sarah D'Alelio on August 12th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Ronda: I think she's a very good fighter, but I never take a fight I don't think I can win. I feel like I have better stand-up, takedowns, conditioning, transitions, and submissions than her. I'm just going to walk in and do what comes naturally.

Darrick: Are there any extra struggles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same difficulty for both genders?

Ronda: I believe I'm lucky that the women's divisions are not as deep and I can rise to the pro stage faster than most men. Getting recognition and publicity though are going to be more challenging for me because I'm not a guy.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Ronda: I absolutely adore Fedor. I love how he fights, how he carries himself, and even his belly! Though I couldn't ever be as soft-spoken as him, I will always try to emulate his fighting style.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Ronda: Winning the respect of those that I respect. Also, winning in spite of those who have wronged me along the way.

Darrick: Do you have any words of advice for other individuals looking to compete in MMA?

Ronda: Don't rush yourself. Make sure you take baby steps and are one hundred percent prepared in all areas.

Darrick: Outside of mixed martial arts, what are your other interests?

Ronda: When I'm not training, I'm usually not moving at all. I've started dabbling into stunt work though and it's been pretty fun so far.

Darrick: What comic book character do you relate to most?

Ronda: Vegeta from Dragonball Z. He's got a lot of pride, and is not the most popular guy. When it comes down to it though, he does whatever he can to get it done.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Ronda: I'm a big crier, I will literally cry over spilled milk.

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Ronda: Taking an apple out of the fridge and rolling it down a hallway.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://www.myspace.com/darrickpatrick/blog/343519835

You can also check out Ronda Rousey in the following places:

Official Ronda Rousey Website:

http://www.rondamma.com

Official Ronda Rousey MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/judoronda

Official Ronda Rousey Facebook Site:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Ronda-Jean-Rousey/519235029

Official Ronda Rousey Facebook Group:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ronda-Rousey/17533674381

Official Ronda Rousey Twitter Area:

http://www.twitter.com/RondaRousey

Ronda Rousey on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ronda-Rousey-73073

Ronda Rousey Photo Gallery at Sherdog.com:

http://www.sherdog.com/pictures/gallery/fighter/73073