Ronda Rousey to take time and reflect before deciding on UFC future
Sunday 1 January 2017 10:06, UK
Ronda Rousey will take some time before deciding on her future in UFC after her brutal defeat by Amanda Nunes on Friday.
Rousey was fighting for the first time in more than a year, having lost her bantamweight belt to Holly Holm in a stunning first UFC defeat in November 2015.
But her return was a short and painful one as she lasted only 48 seconds at UFC 207 with Nunes punching her way to victory in sensational fashion in at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
A second career defeat quickly led to rumours Rousey had fought for the last time and the 29-year-old said little to play down the possibility of retirement in a statement issued on Saturday.
"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.
"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."
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