*This post was originally published on January 9, 2017 on a blog I no longer use.
Amanda Nunes beat Ronda Rousey in 48 seconds. It was an incredible display of striking power. Amanda solidified and validated her Champion status by defending her belt and beating the UFC’s biggest draw in the women’s division, and perhaps overall. Her remarks immediately after the win were respectful. She thanked Ronda Rousey for paving the way, for being the impetus that created a place for women in the UFC and showed her supreme confidence in her own abilities. She knew she could win that fight and she proved it…but since then, Amanda has begun to show a less than impressive attitude toward Ronda and her humble nature seems to drift further and further into the shadows.
Since her incredible win, Amanda Nunes has been doing a lot of talking in Ronda Rousey’s silence. Headlines describe her as slamming and bashing Ronda, her Twitter post after the fight was clearly designed to taunt and her flagging respect seems to continue to grow.
“Yes, for sure (she’s overrated)…The UFC make this happen. They put her in a place she’s not at all.” Nunes told TMZ Sports, which is quite a departure from what she said to Ronda in the ring immediately following the fight.
For the most part, Nunes has been described as a humble and respectful fighter. So, where is this bashing and negativity coming from?
Despite all the rock solid confidence in herself, Amanda’s behavior in the wake of her win is beginning to seem like insecurity. In the days leading up to UFC 207, Nunes claimed that the focus on Rousey’s return rather than her title defense was something she understood and even expected. However, it appears now that she expected the focus to immediately change after her decisive win, telling Dana White, “You have to trust me now.”
With so many headlines giving Rousey top billing, it’s clear that the former champ is still the big draw – and that Nunes is not happy about it. As she continues to be asked to talk about Rousey, her responses are increasingly defamatory and cocky. But, can we blame her?
Many would say no - that the story should be about Amanda’s incredible win, not Ronda’s failing career in mixed martial arts. Many have waited for Rousey’s demise, showing unmistakable disdain for the polarizing fighter. Whether you love her or hate her, one thing remains absolutely clear – Ronda Rousey is a star and even a proven and dominate fighter like Amanda Nunes can’t take the spotlight away. Nunes must rise above and disentangle herself from the Rousey conversation if she wants to be regarded as anything other than a prize fighter. Win, lose or draw, the difference between Nunes and Rousey is that one is simply a division champion and the other is a living legend.
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