The Ultimate Fighter 18: Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate, Expect Rowdy’s Star Appeal to Take a Boost After the Show
The Ultimate Fighter 18: Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate premiers on Sept 4 on Fox Sports 1. It features two of the most talented fighters in the newly established UFC women's bantamweight division coaching upcoming talents hoping to sign a contract to the biggest mixed martial arts organisation in the world.
There are already a lot of expectations for the show, but one thing is for sure: this will take Rousey's popularity to a new level.
The female division in the UFC is still quite new. Thus, a female fighter who combines the skills, charisma and talents all in one package is still a rarity.
But we have seen all these qualities in Rousey. A seasoned judoka, she has managed to defeat all of her previous opponents using only a single submission move, her very deadly armbar. Her opponents know it is coming, they just couldn't find a way to avoid it. Her armbar setup is that diverse and her grip is that strong that she managed to score seven straight submission victories in just a span of three years as a professional MMA fighter.
Pair her fighting skills with her charisma, Rowdy makes the perfect flag bearer for women's MMA. The 26-year-old fighter is reportedly appearing in two films in 2014, Fast and Furious 7 and The Expendables 3. This, in addition to her magazine covers, proves how popular Rousey can become in the future and introduce MMA to more new audiences.
With her appearance in the Ultimate Fighter, expect Rousey to also show more of her character to mass audiences. By watching the programme, more MMA fans and prospective fans should take notice of her other side. Some may be disappointed, and some may love her more. Nonetheless, one thing is for sure, this will add more to the popularity of Rowdy.