One UFC fighter acknowledged Ronda Rousey's dominance and stated that she would never go against the latter.
TMZ reported that Paige VanZant, the newest rising star of the UFC, said that she would never fight Rousey in the Octagon.
VanZant appeared on "TMZ Hollywood Sports" on April 21, 2015, to talk about her background and how she turned into a UFC sensation from being a dancer. The 21-year-old said that she owes much of her success to Rousey, since the undefeated women's bantamweight champ contributed much to the female division of the UFC.
Fansided reported that TMZ asked VanZant if she plans to take on Rousey by meeting halfway in the same weight class. Rousey is about 20 pounds heavier than VanZant, who is in the 115-pound division, so it would be quite difficult to pit the two beauties in a match. It is almost impossible to have two fighters meet in the middle of their weight classes.
VanZant responded, "Never ever, we're in different weight classes so we don't have to."
Based on a report by Bloody Elbow, VanZant has a lot of respect for Rousey. She said, "No matter my success there will always be negativity; look at Ronda - she is an amazing athlete but there are still people who aren't behind her. That's so appalling and I know that is going to happen with me as well." She added that Rousey paved the way for the women in mixed martial arts. VanZant also intends to break the stereotypes among female athletes.
VanZant currently has two victories in her UFC career while Rousey remains undefeated with an 11-0 record. Technically, VanZant has spent more time inside the Octagon, because Rousey finishes her opponents in the first round in most of her fights.
Both Rousey and VanZant are attractive blondes with the ability to fight and win. Review Journal reported that their similarities and wow factor generally cause fans to make comparisons, although the two might never get to face each other.
UFC president Dana White told the press after a post fight conference recently, "It's almost like a Conor McGregor thing. The guy bursts out of nowhere, explodes onto the scene and backs it up. And Paige VanZant did tonight, too. She looked unbelievable. And she is. She's one of those people that has that thing."
White added, "Everybody in my dressing room tonight wanted to meet her, so we brought her back. She's got that thing that I always talk about that you just can't teach. And she can fight."