5 ways in which UFC will benefit from Ronda Rousey signing with WWE

Modified Feb 26, 2018 16:01 GMT

Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has been at the forefront of sports headlines as of late. But instead of being pushed as the "most dominant athlete in the world" like how she was promoted almost three years ago, nowadays, it is because of her transition into professional wrestling with the WWE.

Because of the money and recognition that comes with being a WWE star, making it big as a "diva" could surely do wonders for Rousey Rousey the person. But could it also benefit the UFC, the company she formerly bannered? Here are five ways how it actually could.

#5 It boosts Ronda Rousey's brand, which benefits the UFC as well

Whether Ronda Rousey's WWE run would gain traction or otherwise, it still boosts her brand, one way or another. For one thing, she opens herself up to a new fanbase, which if she plays her cards right, could make her an even bigger superstar than she was.

The name Ronda Rousey, however, will always be connected with the UFC, where she paved the way for women's MMA to flourish and achieve global recognition. That means that whatever success she attains in the WWE, the UFC as a name benefits from it as well, just by affiliation.

#4 It can pave the way for more crossovers

Ronda Rousey Poses With North Melbourne Kangaroos

Ronda Rousey's influence became the proponent for women's MMA to flourish. Similarly, her move to the WWE can pave the way for others to do the same, whether transitioning to or from MMA.

It would likely cause another ruckus with fans and fighters, but if WWE superstars, for example, decide to try their luck with the UFC, it would surely mean great business for Dana White and the rest of WME-IMG. And if that happens, do expect the CM Punk situation to be the new norm of MMA business.

#3 It broadens the UFC fanbase

The likelihood of having more crossovers happen may be a bit smaller, but the UFC fanbase definitely broadens with the WWE signing of Ronda Rousey. How so? Like how Rousey brings in MMA fans to the WWE, many pro-wrestling fans could also turn their attention to the sport she left behind, and probably grow a liking for it, eventually.

With the likes of Cris Cyborg, Rose Namajunas, and Amanda Nunes running their respective divisions, women's MMA today is evidently a lot stronger and more appealing than it once was, and its current state is more than enough to attract a new set of fans, even from the WWE.

#2 It can further strengthen women's MMA

This is still closely related to the third item, where Rousey's influence actually broadens the UFC fanbase. In line with that, it can also further strengthen women's MMA today.

Ronda Rousey will forever be recognized as the woman to start this movement. She was even able to change Dana White's mind about having female fighters in the UFC. With that being said, Rousey's WWE run can very much inspire other women as well, either to follow her footsteps in professional wrestling or take up mixed martial arts. Even after two straight losses, she is still a big enough name.

#1 It can be a precursor to her MMA comeback

Ronda Rousey has been an elite fighter her entire life. From her days as an Olympic judoka to her monumental MMA run, she has been living and breathing competitions at the highest level.

While she may have no interest in her fighting career as of the moment, it can be said that there still must be that part of her that does not want to hang up her four-ounce gloves in such a disappointing manner. It can be possible that the bright lights and screaming fans in a WWE event could light that MMA fire and reactivate her love for the sport.

If that happens, it could be the biggest comeback in UFC history, which could trump the (still indefinite) return dates of both Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

Edited by Akhilesh Tirumala