UFC: Women Breaking Ground Inside the Octagon
Two years ago Ronda Rousey was a relatively unknown, yet decorated judoka, without any prospects for a career. Today she’s a global superstar that has taken MMA and Hollywood by storm. In 2012, UFC President Dana White changed the pro sports industry by announcing Rousey as the first female champion. Since that historic day, women have headlined pay-per-view events and competed in an all-female cast of The Ultimate Fighter, which crowned a new champion. For the first time in sports, women are on the same playing field as men – featured on the same cards and given the same opportunities. The creation of the women’s division was a landmark move that changed the fan demographics to nearly 40 percent women, led to over 20 million social media followers and a loyal audience around the globe. When White went back on his word of saying women would never be part of the UFC, he did more than add a weight class, he revolutionized the relationship between women and the pro sports landscape.