Ronda Rousey is the hottest star in mixed martial arts today. Her star continues to grow as she crosses over from the Octagon to mainstream fame. Her appearance at WWE ’s WrestleMania proves just how recognizable she has become. It is that same fame that the UFC and MMA as a whole should ride as the sport continues to fight for legality in New York.
New York continues to be the last great frontier for the sport of mixed martial arts. In 2015, MMA is still illegal and not regulated. Zuffa and the UFC have spent years working to change this fact, but due to circumstances beyond their control, they have been unable to break through to those with the power to make decisions.
However, the UFC may have a new weapon against those that speak out against the establishment of MMA in NYC. That weapon is Rousey herself.
Recent reports have come out about Rousey taking more of a central role in the growth of the sport.
According to Kenneth Lovett of the New York Daily News , Rousey spent time in the state to push politicians toward changing their perception of the sport.
“I really want to make this a priority during my visit to New York,” Rousey said to the New York Daily News during an interview. “It’s pretty much ridiculous that MMA is not regulated here.”
The effort to have MMA legalized has been a long and arduous fight. Legislation has passed part of the process in the past, only to continually be defeated before the ban can be lifted. Rousey feels that this year may be different.
"I really feel optimistic this year," Rousey told Good Morning America host Robin Roberts (video via Yahoo Sports). “I've talked to the governor. I feel like he's in our corner. It’s passed six years in a row in the Senate [and] it’s never been brought to a vote yet in the Assembly. I think it will this year.”
The UFC and the sport of MMA as a whole would benefit by continuing to push Rousey as the face of the entire community. Since moving over to the promotion in 2013, she has captured the attention of the mainstream media with every move she makes. She now has major films to her credit, coverage on major outlets such as ESPN and recently inked a new deal with the UFC (via Sherdog ). All of these steps continue to build her into the star that the sport needs.
As the face of MMA, Rousey can gain the coverage that the fight for legalization in NYC needs. Her fanbase continues to grow and currently, she has not put herself into any position in which negative publicity may follow. These advantages are exactly what should be leveraged by both Rousey and the UFC.
Ronda Rousey is becoming a household name. With appearances on WrestleMania, Good Morning America and major summer movies, MMA finally has a true face that the entire sports community can appreciate. This power makes her the go-to person to be the face of the sport's growth in NYC and beyond.
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