:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52604151/108_Amanda_Nunes_vs_Ronda_Rousey.0.0.jpeg)
In the build up to UFC 207, Amanda Nunes remained stoic in the face of clear favoritism towards Ronda Rousey and a lack of promotion by the UFC. But immediately after she beat the brakes off Rousey, Nunes got on the mic with Joe Rogan and began letting loose saying, “Thanks Ronda Rousey but right now I’m the shark. I’m the champion and I’m here to stay. People let’s stop this Ronda Rousey nonsense, I’m the champion.”
Many viewed Nunes’ post-fight speech as frustration boiling over at the love for Rousey despite Nunes status as the best bantamweight alive. Well that may be true as in a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Nunes showed disdain for Rousey’s skills and expressed disbelief that the former champion was ever as successful as she was.
“I don’t know how Ronda Rousey went too far in this division. Honestly, I don’t understand why those girls lost to Ronda Rousey. I know since my first fight in the UFC I can beat Ronda Rousey, but of course I have to take my time and put everything together. That day was the day to prove to everybody and I did it.”
That she did. Nunes stopped Rousey in 48 seconds in one of the most vicious beatdowns of the year.
It may also have been the final performance for the most important female mixed martial artist of all time. The general consensus is that Rousey’s likely done with fighting after suffering back-to-back demoralizing thrashings and many think it’s a good idea, including Nunes who said as much in her post-fight press conference.
If Rousey does hang up the gloves though, Nunes says it won’t be as the greatest female fighter of all time. Despite Rousey holding wins over five currently ranked bantamweights, including wins over two women with stoppage victories over her, Nunes is adamant that Rousey was overrated and exposed as a product of the UFC hype machine.
“Yes, for sure [Rousey is overrated]. The UFC make this happen. They put her in a place where she’s not at. But I know I can beat Ronda Rousey since I saw her first fight.”
MUST-READ STORIES
He’s coming back. Brock Lesnar was suspended by USADA for one year.
So say we all. Kayla Harrison thinks Ronda Rousey needs to change up her coaching.
Rescued. Bryan Caraway is injured and out of his upcoming fight with Jimmie Rivera.
Belief. Marlon Moraes believes he can beat anyone in the UFC, including Cody Garbrandt.
Sub of the Year. Miesha Tate tapping Holly Holm was MMA Fighting’s Submission of the Year.
MEDIA STEW
The UFC counting down their own top KOs of the year.
Kayla Harrison on TMZ about Rousey.
And then talking about WSOF and her fighting future.
Still talking about Ronda days out.
And here as well.
Chael telling a story about Goldie.
Since Lee just had a fight announced, here’s an interview.
LISTEN UP
Heavy Hands.
Show the Art.
Lando interview.
Brad Pickett has a pod.
TWEETS
RIP
My friend & UFC production colleague @SnacksGeller passed away after a battle w/ cancer. Crushed. Thoughts & prayers to his wife & baby.
— Dave Sholler (@DaveSholler) January 4, 2017
Tons of this exact same sentiment from the community. A sad loss.
I know. I am so sad and heartbroken. Adam was a good man. Awesome guy loved his family he will be missed https://t.co/Rq88m4eaRe
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) January 5, 2017
And for those that care.
Here's a GoFundMe page set up in @SnacksGeller's honor. My heart goes out to his family. Love you, Snacks. https://t.co/dO07GKk4vg
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 4, 2017
Woooh buddy that would be fire.
@jimmierivera135 I hear you need an opponent next week for #UFCPhoenix #LetsDoThis you in? @ufc @danawhite @seanshelby
— John Dodson III (@JohnDodsonMMA) January 5, 2017
Johny needs to move to 185.
Yo @JohnyHendricks, I'm looking for a fight, and you need to redeem yourself. Let's throw down in March! @ufc @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) January 4, 2017
Obviously Conor is going to win any poll.
I usually dont do this, but Im interested 2C who you fans want to see me fight next @TheNotoriousMMA @bisping or @WonderboyMMA ? Help me out
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) January 4, 2017
And speaking of Conor, he’s actually not half bad in this.
Sport of Kings - meet your new King! @PegasusWorldCup @realjonlovitz pic.twitter.com/IOiqHw8ImC
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 4, 2017
Yoel has been ice cold on Twitter about this.
@TWooodley you are good guy but don't play with @bisping like this. He has only one fight left in his career: Me #ynuevo https://t.co/M0bkrDMUdZ
— Yoel Romero (@YoelRomeroMMA) January 4, 2017
UFC out there trying to make him mainstream.
Hey @DancingABC, @Cody_NoLove made his case at #UFC207 for a spot on the roster next season. What'd ya think? #CallNoLove #DWTS pic.twitter.com/NLHf7dvr8L
— UFC (@ufc) January 4, 2017
Love everything about this.
I didnt beat Cro Cop in Rizin finals but i did retire him.
— Amir Aliakbari (@IranHWbeast) January 4, 2017
Better than Garcia-Hotta.
Date set for “Alpha Female” Jazzy Gabert’s RIZIN FF debut fight https://t.co/KBRAKbPcCs
— Alpha Female (@alphafemale1) January 4, 2017
Please let him come to the UFC.
Best in the business.
Miesha had surgery apparently.
Nose surgery appears to have gone well, didn't do anything major just had the previous broken pieces smoothed out and...
Posted by Miesha Tate on Wednesday, January 4, 2017
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Khalil Rountree (4-2) vs. Daniel Jolly (5-1); UFC Fight Night Houston, February 4.
Cheick Kongo (25-10-2) vs. Oli Thompson (17-9); Bellator 172, February 18.
Adam Piccolotti (9-0) vs. Brent Primus (7-0); Bellator 172, February 18.
Angela Lee (6-0) vs. Jenny Huang (5-0); ONE FC: Warrior Kingdom, March 11.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2013: Carla Esparza defeated Bec Rawlings (then Hyatt) to become the inaugural Invicta FC strawweight champion at Invicta FC 4.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s still baffling to me how mad people can get about completely subjective awards. Submission of the Year was a pretty clear cut pick for us (9 or 13 first place votes, everybody had it in their top 5) but people got mad heated about it. It was the obvious sub of the year to me as a combination of significance and awesome. Dern pretzeling up some poor no name was fun as hell but would we give SOTY to somebody popping off a flying gogo on a rando in Xplode Fight Series? Dern winning would essentially the same thing. That being said, if it or Rothwell or Diaz won, they were all great subs. Basically, if you can’t at least listen to an argument that Tate miracle tapping Holm to take the belt despite being essentially written off as a fighter, or for any of the top contenders really, then you’re taking things way too seriously.
Can’t wait to see the flak we catch for KO of the Year.
Take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy them.
Get the latest gear
