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UFC boss Dana White used a recent interview to praise Ronda Rousey for what she’s done for women’s mixed martial arts.

When it comes to iconic female figures in the sport of MMA, Ronda Rousey is right up there with the best of them. She was the first major breakout female star to emerge from the UFC, and even in the present day, her impact is still being felt.

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The old story goes that Ronda was the one who really convinced Dana White to take a chance on women competing in the promotion, and based on the success they have had since then, we’d say it was a pretty smart move.

In a recent podcast appearance, White had the following to say about Ronda Rousey.

Dana White on Ronda Rousey’s influence

“Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Chuck Liddell when it was his time, Ronda Rousey,” White said on “The Diary Of A CEO” when asked about fighters who were in a class of their own. “People want to talk sh*t about Ronda Rousey now. Ronda Rousey came to me. I didn’t want women in the UFC, right? And the reasoning was I was trying to sell men into networks and sponsors, and they were like, ‘This is too whatever.’ Women?

“Ronda grabbed me at an event and said, ‘Hey, I’m Ronda Rousey, can I get 15 minutes with you?’ We went into my room at the arena and minutes into the conversation, I’m like, ‘Holy sh*t, I think I’m going to do this, and she’s the one to do it with.’ She came in with the whole f*cking bravado. You want to talk about a chip on your shoulder. I mean, she had it. So many people now want to hate on her. She is a f*cking unicorn.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

What do you make of Rousey’s MMA legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

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