In transforming the UFC over the years, its head honcho Dana White’s role is undeniable. However, the credit for making it a household name goes to fighters like former dual champion Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey, whose superstar personas and trash-talking turned the promotion into a global phenomenon. Recently, White updated his UFC “Mount Rushmore list”, including names like McGregor, Jon Jones, GSP, and Rousey.

While most critics accepted the list, ‘Rowdy’s’ inclusion sparked outrage among some fans, who argued Amanda Nunes deserved the spot. Initially silent, White finally responded with a sharp rebuttal to Rousey’s critics, explaining why she is the greatest athlete.

Dana White on why Ronda Rousey is the greatest

It’s no secret that becoming Dana White’s favorite in the promotion isn’t an easy task; only a handful of fighters, like Conor McGregor, have achieved that status. Once you do, though, you’ll receive the best fights and the most lucrative opportunities a fighter could imagine.

Recently, White appeared on the YMH Studios’s YouTube channel for an interview, where he compared Sean O’Malley’s impressive understanding of the fight business to McGregor’s claiming how easy it is to work with these fighters, including Ronda Rousey. When Ronda Rousey’s name came up, Dana White couldn’t resist praising her.

He said, “Ronda Rousey is the greatest athlete I’ve ever worked with, for real, not even close. The greatest athlete I’ve worked with. She was so smart; she built the women’s division.” White then explained why ‘Rowdy’ is the greatest, adding, “Women would not be fighting in the UFC if it weren’t for Ronda Rousey and how she approached it, how she approached me. Then, once she got the opportunity, what she did with it. I mean, she’s incredible.” And Dana White is not wrong after all.

Even though Ronda Rousey’s UFC career was brief, it significantly impacted women’s participation in the promotion. With her Judo background and wrestling expertise, ‘The Arm Collector’ made the UFC women’s division rock with seven consecutive title defenses. Yet, her four-year stint in MMA didn’t last as long as hoped, as she struggled to evolve in the sport and was beaten badly in her last two UFC fights by Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, leading her retirement. And while we are on the topic, Dana White also shared his thoughts on why Rousey failed to evolve as a fighter.

White’s revelation on Ronda Rousey’s shift as a fighter

Back in 2011, Dana White made a controversial remark regarding women in the UFC, saying, “Women would never fight in the UFC.” This statement was criticized by critics and female fighters from various promotions. However, Ronda Rousey disproved White’s misogynistic view with her actions, debuting in the UFC against Sarah D’Alelio, where The Arm Collector’ won with an armbar. This victory marked the start of her impressive career, which included nine straight wins.

However, after a six-year journey, Rousey’s career began to decline, culminating in consecutive knockout defeat in her last two fights. Recently, Dana White, in his candid interview claimed that Rousey’s role in carrying the women’s division on her shoulder contributed to her downfall. White stated, “While she was doing what she was doing, building the sport and the UFC and women, all these other women were training to beat her. She had taken so much on her shoulders at the time, it was literally impossible for her to keep growing as a fighter during that period.”

What are your thoughts on Dana White’s statement? Do you believe Ronda Rousey is the greatest UFC athlete of all time, or is it Amanda Nune? Share your opinion below.