How much will Rousey’s loss cost her?
Many believed that Rhonda Rousey was unbeatable. She was said to be the best UFC fighter, regardless era, weight class or sex. More people tuned into her fights than any other fighter in the sport, man or woman.
But after being decimated by Holly Holm on Saturday, we may see the value of the world’s most marketable female athlete drop.
Before Saturday night, Rousey was a perfect 12–0 against UFC competition. Eleven of her 12 matches ended in first round knockouts. Her last fight appearance before her first loss against Bethe Correia only lasted 34 seconds.
However, some sports marketing professional thinks her loss against Holm will cost her a lot more than her perfect record.
Rousey is currently sponsored by brands such as the fast food chain Carl’s Jr. and Monster Energy. But, David Schwab, the managing director of the sports and entertainment agency Octagon First Call, told Fortune that Rousey’s marketability was based on the the belief that she was the toughest woman in her sport. Schwab said Rosuey’s loss could cost her future endorsement deals.
“The loss affects her ability to get sponsorship right now for brands that don’t already spend money in the UFC,” Schwab said.
Despite the loss, Rousey still remains a very marketable as the individual, who could have a more profitable future as an actress. Rousey has appeared in five different films, including the widely successful Entourage Movie that premiered this summer. UFC featherweight champion, Jose Aldo, said he thinks Rousey may never fight again because of her Hollywood potential.
“I think it’s really hard for her to return to fighting. … Her career has taken a different direction,” Aldo told Brazilian reporters. “If I’m making a lot of money doing movies or something else, I’d go that direction, too.”
In an Instagram post, Rosey wrote that she is taking some time off before she gets back in the ring. But it’s unknown how much time she will take, and if she will ever find her way back into the Octagon.
Whatever the her case may be, she is still a very marketable figure, athlete or actress. Win or lose in the ring, it seems Rhonda Rousey’s bank account should continue to grow, but her career in UFC may be nearing its end.
