Mixed martial arts champ Ronda Rousey wins the “Fighter of the Year” award during the pre-show red carpet event in the ESPN’s ESPY Awards.
Rousey won the title over Floyd Mayweather Jr., despite Mayweather’s success in beating Manny Pacquiao last May.
When Rousey received the award, she wittingly took some shots a Mayweather saying, ”I wonder how Floyd [Mayweather] feels being beaten by a woman for once. I’d like to see you pretend to not know who I am now!”. She was obviously pertaining to Mayweather’s domestic violence issues which led him being jailed back in 2012, and the controversial interview with Mayweather about Rousey. In the controversial interview, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was asked if he could beat Rousey in a fight, he stated that he doesn’t have an idea who Rousey was, even going as far as referring Rousey as a “he.”
Last February 28, Rousey was able to get her fifth MMA title defense after beating Cat Zingano in a 14-second submission at UFC 184. Rousey (11-0) has, by far, the fastest finish ever in a title fight in the UFC. This coming August 1, Rousey will be fighting the undefeated Bethe Correia in Rio de Janeiro.
Aside from her “Fighter of the Year” award, Rousey also got the title of ESPY’s “Best Female Athlete” award. She won over amazing athletes like skier Lindsey Vonn, NCAA champion Breanna Stewart, and Serena Williams.
In her acceptance speech, Rousey acknowledged a lot of things, including how blessed she is right now. She said, “I’m living such a lucky and blessed life, and I’m trying my best to deserve it.”. She thanked her mother in her acceptance speech as well.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have been the only ESPY Best Fighter award winners since the category was made back in 2007. With Rousey winning the title this year, that makes her the first MMA UFC fighter to win the award.
The winners in this year’s 23rd annual ESPY were chosen based on their performances in the past year and the number of fans who voted online.