Ronda Rousey’s UFC Legacy: How the Division She Built Has Evolved in Her Absence
Ronda Rousey’s UFC legacy runs deeper than six title defenses and a highlight reel of sub-one-minute armbars. When she walked away from MMA following her December 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes, she left behind something far more significant than a championship belt — she left behind an entire weight class she had willed into existence through sheer star power. The UFC Women’s Bantamweight division did not exist before her. Now, nearly a decade later, it is one of the most competitive weight classes in the sport, currently headlined by Kayla Harrison — another Olympic judo gold medalist — who submitted Julianna Peña at UFC 316 to claim the title Rousey first made famous. As the May 16 Netflix superfight against Gina Carano approaches, Ringside Report traces the full arc: how Rousey left, what the division became in her absence, and why the foundation she built has proven stronger than anyone gave her credit for.
Mark Smith ACL Tear: UFC Referee Finishes Fight, Gets Carried Out
Mark Smith tore his ACL during UFC 324 while refereeing Gautier vs Pulyaev. The 52-year-old veteran finished all 15 minutes on a blown knee, then was carried out of T-Mobile Arena. Dana White compared it to Bruce Buffer’s 2011 injury—the only other non-fighter ACL tear he’s witnessed in UFC history.
UFC 324 Preview: Why Paddy Pimblett Will End Justin Gaethje’s Career This Saturday
When Trevor Whitman says this is Justin Gaethje’s “last ride,” you know the stakes are real. At 37 years old, the former BMF champion faces the hungry 31-year-old Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324—and all three Ringside Report analysts are picking against him. Dave Simon sees a TKO finish reminiscent of the Chandler destruction. Fred Garcia likes a decision grind. AJ D’Alesio predicts another submission loss for Gaethje, adding to his Khabib and Oliveira defeats. Meanwhile, Sean O’Malley’s concerning embedded performance has Dave staying away from Sugar entirely. We break down every main card fight, deliver three different parlays, and discuss why Canadians are getting screwed with $100 pay-per-views while Americans pay $9 a month for Paramount+
UFC 324 Interim Title: Gaethje vs Pimblett Headlines Paramount Debut
The UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight just got announced, and it’s a fascinating matchup that raises serious questions about the state of the 155-pound division. Justin Gaethje takes on Paddy Pimblett for interim gold on January 24 in Vegas – the first pay-per-view under the new Paramount deal. Ilia Topuria dropped a statement saying he’s stepping away from fighting to deal with personal family matters, including a divorce and custody issues. Max Holloway reached out with support. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan just dominated Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, but isn’t in the title picture. The card features six current and former champions, including Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes in what Dana White calls ‘the biggest women’s fight ever.’ Full analysis of the lightweight chaos, the stacked UFC 324 card, and why we’re begging the UFC not to give Kamaru Usman a title shot.