AUSTIN, TEXAS: Controversial UFC commentator Joe Rogan addressed the issue of why MMA legend Ronda Rousey's career did not end well during an episode of his 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast. Rogan blamed Sylvester Stallone's $800M movie franchise for the cause.
Rousey reportedly did not continue her career at the UFC after she fell out of love with the sport. The former UFC bantamweight champion busted barriers and had a 12-2 record in her professional MMA career before retiring in 2016 at the age of 31.
Why won't Joe Rogan forgive Sylvester Stallone's 'Expendables'?
Rogan said about Rousey during 'JRE' episode, "She got sucked into all the Hollywood bowl." Rogan also mentioned her involvement in a variety of TV shows and talk shows. Rousey is now under contract with WWE on a long-term basis.
Rousey has been absent from the realm of combat sports since her debut in the movie, 'The Expendables'. While Rousey has been in a few films with minor roles and has regularly received praise for her outstanding performances, she has also appeared in a few television shows.
Rogan believes the former champs' success was harmed by their Hollywood glitz and glam. Rogan claimed Rousey's most prominent role as Luna, an athletic nightclub bouncer, in Stallone's film, 'The Expendables 3', allegedly caused her downfall.
Rousey, known as "Rowdy," gained popularity in the 'Expendables' movies, earning over $800 million worldwide. She co-starred with Jason Statham and Barney Ross and Rogan thinks that Stallone's offer made Rousey quit her fighting career.
Will Ronda Rousey return to UFC?
Rousey's return to the UFC appears doubtful. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Jon Anik, a UFC commentator was asked about the possibility of Rousey's comeback. According to Anik, all indications point to Rousey's return. “If anyone is worthy of that time of opportunity, it’s probably Ronda Rousey. And I do believe she would be competitive because she would not enter that setting without the guarantee that she would be competitive,” according to Bloody Elbow's report.
Whereas, the former UFC champion, Rousey stated that she would be interested in returning to the MMA fight to face another former Strikeforce fighter, Gina Carano. The rumored fight between Carano and Rousey was never held due to Carano's refusal. Rogan revealed she declined due to insults from UFC President Dana White.