Ronda Rousey is bringing lessons from WWE straight into her MMA comeback, and she says Paul Heyman played a huge role in changing how she approaches the fight business.
While speaking with Alfred Konuwa of Forbes, Ronda Rousey was asked whether there was anything she learned during her WWE run that now carries over into her MMA training ahead of her fight against Gina Carano.
Rousey admitted the actual physical training did not really translate, but she made it clear that WWE completely changed how she handles press conferences, media appearances, and selling a fight to the audience.
While explaining the difference, Rousey specifically pointed to Paul Heyman as someone who taught her how to organize her thoughts and keep every interview focused on the fight itself.
“I don’t think in the training, but definitely in the preparation for press conferences and how I organize my thoughts. I learned so much from Paul Heyman. He told me that no matter what you’re saying, always bring it back around to the fight. You’re always trying to sell the fight, and always end on the best line.”
The comments line up with what Rousey has been saying lately about WWE helping reshape her mindset toward combat sports. During a previous interview, she explained that Olympic judo was purely athletic competition, MMA taught her how to become both an athlete and entertainer, and WWE showed her the promotional side of the business on a completely different level.
While reflecting on that progression, Rousey described pro wrestling as the “purest form of fight choreography” and credited it for teaching her how to build fights as larger events instead of simply treating them like athletic contests.
Now, Rousey is stepping back into MMA with years of WWE experience behind her, and she clearly believes that knowledge gives her a completely different perspective heading into her return fight with Carano..
What do you think about Ronda Rousey crediting Paul Heyman and WWE for changing how she promotes fights? Do you think pro wrestling experience helps fighters sell major MMA events better? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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