In mixed martial arts there are many physical advantages a fighter can have, whether it’s long limbs that can benefit striking and grappling, or a strong jaw that helps absorb punishment.
However, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey made an interesting observation about a particular physical attribute that can come into play in female MMA bouts.
Rousey says women with larger breasts are at a disadvantage in MMA.
In her UFC debut – in which she submitted Liz Carmouche with her patented armbar at UFC 157 – Rousey almost suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
As Carmouche attempted a rear-naked choke early in the first round of what was the first female fight in UFC history, Rousey’s top began to slip.
“When someone’s on your back trying to rip your head off, things tend to slip around a bit,” Rousey said in an interview that will appear in ESPN The Magazine’s new Body Issue.
Rousey, 25, eventually escaped and had time to adjust her outfit, but as she focused on her clothing her opponent took advantage.
“I got kicked straight in the chest right as I was trying to adjust my bra,” Rousey said.
The Venice, Calif., native feels that when her chest is smaller she performs better.
“It just creates space,” Rousey explained. “It makes me much more efficient if I don’t have so much in the way between me and my opponent.”
Rousey has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC despite the fact she is relatively new to the organization. And although it’s mostly her skills in the Octagon that have contributed to her popularity, her attractive looks have played a role.
She also said that just because a fighter has a big chest doesn’t mean they won’t have a successful MMA career.
“Gina Carano was an amazing fighter, and she had a fantastic rack,” said Rousey, who won an Olympic bronze medal in judo in 2008. “(But) you don’t see big (breasts) in the Olympics, and I think that’s for a reason.”
Rousey is slated to defend her title against Miesha Tate at UFC 168 in December.
