Ronda Rousey claims Khabib Nurmagomedov’s controversial move saved his UFC legacy

Rousey argues that once their prime has passed, MMA’s most celebrated figures are quickly discarded.

She pointed to fighters like Chuck Liddell, ‘Rampage’ Jackson, and Brock Lesnar as examples of this cycle, and said she experienced something similar during her own time in the UFC.

According to Rousey, Khabib Nurmagomedov is the rare exception – not because he was different, but because he stepped away before his decline ever started.

“I think the only reason why MMA fans have their lips so firmly planted at the base of Khabib’s c— is because he retired before he reached his limit,” Rousey said during an appearance on Bert Kreischer’s podcast.

“If he kept fighting until he reached his limit, everybody would be like, ‘Khabib ain’t s—, he never was s—’.

“They’re like that with everybody. Name one person. ‘Brock ain’t s—, he never was s—’. Name one past champion that has the kind of respect that the current champions do. It’s really sad because I think it encourages people to get out while they’re peaking and leaving and taking all of that equity with them instead of passing it on to whoever’s next to take up the mantle.

“I wanted to retire undefeated because I was so afraid of everything that I accomplished is going to be nothing if I ever lose. So I have to retire undefeated. It wasn’t until I got into the WWE and saw that wait, you have to retire on a loss.

“Everybody in WWE has to retire on a loss because you have to pass that torch on, and I think everyone in MMA, they’re going to try to take the torch with them because of how the fans respond to it.”

Ronda Rousey still does not feel welcome in the UFC

Back in May 2024, Rousey explained why she has stayed away from UFC events since stepping away from the sport.

“I feel like I’m really vilified by MMA media at this point, and I’m not really welcomed back. Which is why I haven’t gone to a UFC fight since because I’m pretty sure if I walked into the arena I’d be booed.”

Dana White recently offered an open invitation for Rousey to attend any event she likes.

“I love her. I have an incredible relationship with her.

“Obviously, she’s welcome to any event. She came to a Power Slap event in Vegas, and she’s welcome to anything that we have. It’s her house. It will always be her house.

“You know, that’s a personal thing for her. It doesn’t have anything to do with us or the UFC.”

If Rousey does take White up on his offer, there is a good chance it will not be well received by fans, so do not expect to see her at an event anytime soon.