
Ronda Rousey is a former Olympian who captured the bronze medal in judo. Sara McMann is an ex-Olympic wrestler who netted herself a silver.Both are currently signed to the women's roster in the UFC, providing themselves - and the rest of female MMA - with an outlet to make a living.
Rousey will defend her UFC bantamweight title against Liz Carmouche this evening at UFC 157: Rousey Vs. Carmouche in the first-ever female fight inside the Octagon.
"What I do think is going to happen....(women) can come here now, make a living and remain a professional athlete," said UFC president Dana White, earlier this week during the pre-fight press conference. "It will have a huge impact on the sport."
White mentioned both Rousey and McMann as coming from sports that do not provide a professional outlet. Currently, six women are signed to UFC contracts, including Rousey, Carmouche, McMann, Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano and Alexis Davis.
"Men's (fighting) has evolved over the last 13 years," White said. "Now, you can see these womn out here. It is going to blow up over the next few years."
Rousey will defend her UFC bantamweight title against Liz Carmouche this evening at UFC 157: Rousey Vs. Carmouche in the first-ever female fight inside the Octagon.
"What I do think is going to happen....(women) can come here now, make a living and remain a professional athlete," said UFC president Dana White, earlier this week during the pre-fight press conference. "It will have a huge impact on the sport."
White mentioned both Rousey and McMann as coming from sports that do not provide a professional outlet. Currently, six women are signed to UFC contracts, including Rousey, Carmouche, McMann, Miesha Tate, Cat Zingano and Alexis Davis.
"Men's (fighting) has evolved over the last 13 years," White said. "Now, you can see these womn out here. It is going to blow up over the next few years."