When a champion has this kind of fall, it's usually do to age or injury. Road's situation is different. She was dominating an undeveloped division. As should have been expected, the division developed and caught up to her. What's surprising is how quickly it happened.
Ironically, her success was the catalyst for the division's development.
When a champion has this kind of fall, it's usually do to age or injury. Road's situation is different. She was dominating an undeveloped division. As should have been expected, the division developed and caught up to her. What's surprising is how quickly it happened.
Ironically, her success was the catalyst for the division's development.
You think she should have noticed the Holm fight was a bad matchup and just retired? In hindsight, that would have been the best thing for her image. She could have walked away undefeated and gone on the rest of her life believing her own hype. She talked about retiring young, like around 28, but her ego wouldn't let her walk away. In retrospect, walking away at 28 would have been perfect. Then on to movies or TV or whatever. Bummer for her, but good for everyone else.Royce Gracie was far smarter... he knew when his style was about to become ineffective and quit beforehand.
When a champion has this kind of fall, it's usually do to age or injury. Road's situation is different. She was dominating an undeveloped division. As should have been expected, the division developed and caught up to her. What's surprising is how quickly it happened.
Ironically, her success was the catalyst for the division's development.
You think she should have noticed the Holm fight was a bad matchup and just retired? In hindsight, that would have been the best thing for her image. She could have walked away undefeated and gone on the rest of her life believing her own hype. She talked about retiring young, like around 28, but her ego wouldn't let her walk away. In retrospect, walking away at 28 would have been perfect. Then on to movies or TV or whatever. Bummer for her, but good for everyone else.
I see the comparison, but there are major differences. Ronda actually is a gifted athlete, whereas Royce obviously isn't. And Ronda's technique and accomplishments in Judo is far superior to anything Royce's BJJ. However, your point about Ronda's training is on point. She had the potential to evolve and become the champion she professed herself to be, but her decision to train with a charlatan essentially doomed her to Royce-status.I was saying this for a long time, as were others.
Ronda was the Royce of her division. Great for her time, but fairly one dimensional.
The really sad thing about Ronda is that she could still be on top if she'd gone to a great gym years ago and learned how to actually strike, instead of staying with Count Fuckula and learning how to hit pads really well.
I see the comparison, but there are major differences. Ronda actually is a gifted athlete, whereas Royce obviously isn't. And Ronda's technique and accomplishments in Judo is far superior to anything Royce's BJJ. However, your point about Ronda's training is on point. She had the potential to evolve and become the champion she professed herself to be, but her decision to train with a charlatan essentially doomed her to Royce-status.