Retired boxer and five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather had some encouraging words for Ronda Rousey after her second loss last month.
In an interview with FIGHTHYPE.COM, Mayweather reminded the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion that not only did she make “women’s MMA huge,” but she’s undefeated in 2017.
I want Ronda Rousey to hold your head up, stay focused, keep believing. A true champion can bounce back, you’ll be okay. I think her losing had a lot to do with time off, she maybe should have competed against another female MMA fighter that wasn’t as active as the female that she faced. The female that she faced was rugged and tough. Ronda Rousey has a lot left. I don’t want her to think it’s the end of the world. She’s hearing it from the best. She’ll be okay. Ronda Rousey hold your head up. She’s still a true champion in our eyes. You made women’s MMA huge. Stay focused, go back to the drawing board and do what you gotta do. 2017 is a whole new year. That was last year, that was 2016 if I’m not mistaken. Now it’s 2017, so you’re undefeated this year. Come back, champ.
Ronda Rousey – who once dominated her division with ease – suffered a brutal, 48-second loss last month at the hands of reigning champion, Amanda Nunes. The loss marked the second time Rousey was dominated by a talented striker.
Mayweather’s support of Rousey is interesting, considering Ronda’s past dislike of Floyd, which probably stems from an incident where he confused her with a man.
However, this is not the first time the former champion has offered support to “Rowdy” Ronda. After Rousey’s first loss back in 2015, Floyd not encouraged Ronda to keep her head up, but offered to help her with her boxing:
I want Ronda Rousey to hold her head up high and don’t let this discourage you. If you need help as far as with boxing, I’m here to help you. It’s all about timing and inches. Her ground game is unbelievable. She’ll be OK.
Considering Ronda Rousey’s boxing has repeatedly come under fire (as has her coach, Edmund Tarverdyan), it may be a good idea for her to take Floyd Mayweather up on his offer if she plans on returning to action.
