After Enrolling Her in Academy Run by Student of Gene LeBell, Who Choked Steven Seagel Unconscious, Ronda Rousey’s Mother Was Concerned for Her Daughter

Ronda Rousey to women’s MMA was what Conor McGregor is to men’s MMA. Rousey was the face of the UFC at one point. Because of her propensity for completely dismantling her opponents, ‘Rowdy’ was considered the finest fighter in the UFC during her tenure there. In her early years, Rousey received training from the legendary MMA trainer Gokor Chivichyan. She thus acquired certain lethal skills while undergoing Chivichyan’s training. However, Rousey’s mother was very worried about sending her daughter to Hayastan (Gokor Chivichyan’s academy) for its infamous reputation.

Her mother AnnMaria De Mars, who also happened to be the first American to win a gold medal at the World Judo Championship, served as Ronda Rousey’s first judo coach.

Ronda Rousey and Hayastan

De Mars previously said in an old interview that she had to stop training Ronda Rousey after a certain age because she was too old. “Up until she was 13 or 14, I would train with her, especially on the mat. But I’m old.”

She further added, “Up until then, I could hang with her pretty well, but when she grew, there was no way. Because I’m a little person. The bigger she got, and the older I got, it became less feasible.”

De Mars then discussed her fear-filled choice to enroll Rousey at Hayastan.

“So we took her out to Hayastan,” said De Mars. Gokor Chivichyan, a legendary MMA trainer, runs Hayastan. He was Gene LeBell‘s disciple. LeBell was a legendary Judoka who once choked Steven Seagal unconscious, along with many others, back in the day. The academy was infamous for not having female students.

Read more: Ronda Rousey Narrates A Tragic Story Involving Her Father Which Still Serves as Inspiration for the UFC & WWE Icon

De Mars further stated that she was having second thoughts about enrolling her daughter in Hayastan because of its reputation. “I had heard stories. Because they didn’t have any women in their club at all.” However, it turned out to be the best decision she made for her daughter. Rousey’s intense training was the reason for her successful MMA career.

Ronda Rousey: From UFC to WWE

Ronda Rousey fought her first MMA fight in 2011 against Sarah D’Alelio and won the bout with a submission. She remained undefeated. Further, ‘Rowdy’ made her UFC debut in 2013 and stayed undefeated until she faced Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.

After facing two MMA losses, the fighter with a 12-2-0 left the business. She went on to join WWE soon, where she created a lot of noise.

Rowdy had a very interesting graph in her career and is still labeled as one of the ‘baddest’ female fighters in combat sports. And she deserves the title every bit. She put fear in the eyes of her opponents like no other.

Watch this story: 5 MMA Fighters Who Are Also Olympic Medalist From Ronda Rousey To Henry Cejudo

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