Ronda Rousey explains how her old rival’s coach ended up in her corner

Ronda Rousey is set to return to the cage with Ricky Lundell in her corner, marking her first fight since 2016.

Lundell, known for his expertise in wrestling and grappling, played a key role in Miesha Tate’s climb through MMA ranks. He was also part of Tate’s team during her appearance opposite Rousey on The Ultimate Fighter 18 back in 2013.

Speaking about their past on her YouTube channel, Rousey said:

“We were mortal enemies. Started off as mortal enemies. He was coaching against me on The Ultimate Fighter and he was so nice, I was like this motherf—er is so patronizing and fake, and I hated his guts.

“This is a common theme, by the way, that he’s so nice that everyone was like ‘this motherf—er is not for real.’ He’s really just being a passive-aggressive a–hole, but he’s actually the nicest motherf—er. Actually the nicest person you will ever meet. So nice that you don’t think it’s real.”

The story behind how they became friends

Browne ended up playing an unexpected role in helping to mend things between his future wife and his coach.

Lundell ended up helping Rousey during a rough period, which changed how she saw him completely.

“I fall into a deep depression, and Trav goes and stays at Ricky’s house,” she explained.

“We’re at your house, and I’m basically just in the one room – the same room I stay in now – just smoking weed and playing World of Warcraft all day – and I would only emerge to eat cereal. But you were really nice and kept me supplied.”

Lundell made sure there was always cereal around for her comfort during that difficult time: “There was cereal and milk at all times. And so my conclusion came from there. It went from ‘I think this guy is a passive-aggressive jerk who likes hiding behind being polite’ to ‘Nope! That guy is legit.’”