Ronda Rousey has received support from fellow high-profile athletes after her first-round defeat to Amanda Nunes on Friday night.
Rousey who, along with Conor McGregor, is UFC’s biggest draw was beaten in 48 seconds during her comeback. But Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James showed sympathy after her defeat.
“In sports, in general, they build you up as high as they can, put you on the highest mountain in the world, just to tear you down. That’s coming from somebody who has experienced it,” James told the Akron Beacon Journal on Saturday. “That’s a fact. I know exactly how she feels because I was that athlete. I went through that.”
James was heavily criticized after he left the Cavaliers to join Miami Heat, where he won three NBA titles. He won another title with the Cavs in 2016.
LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant also defended Rousey. “Instead of clapping for @RondaRousey defeat give her a standing O for putting the sport on the map #pioneer #muse,” he tweeted.
Jon Jones, another UFC star currently facing adversity, also offered his thoughts on Rousey’s situation. “My advice to Ronda would be to pick yourself up and try again,” Jones wrote on Twitter. “I think it’s important for Ronda to show her fans how great she truly is by displaying her courage and giving it another try.
To all the people who loves to kick a person when they're down. https://t.co/cb3b0vMygt pic.twitter.com/H8itfnUKyX
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) January 1, 2017
“What she does next will truly determine her legacy. I really hope she chooses to be unbroken. Her story doesn’t have to be over here. I also still believe she beats 90% of the division. Lots of ass kicking still to be done, lots of money to be made.”
Jones, the former UFC lightweight champion, is currently serving a one-year doping suspension.
Rousey, meanwhile, says she is taking time to consider her future. “I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me,” Rousey said in a statement to ESPN.
“Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes – even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly – it doesn’t work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women’s division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda. I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding.”
