For anyone questioning the decision to put women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey in the main event of UFC 157, the rock-star reception Rousey received Wednesday answered a lot of doubts.
With some fans pressed against the Octagon and others at least four-deep behind the ropes, Rousey was easily the star of the open workout at the UFC gym in Torrance.
The Venice resident, who in the first women’s fight in UFC history will defend her belt against Liz Carmouche (7-2) on Saturday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, stepped into the cage with striking coach Edmond Tarverdyan and other members of Glendale Fighting Club. Rousey (6-0) worked on her throws, sparring, grappling and cardio before greeting fans who were clamoring for photos and autographs.
While Rousey has been in high demand with the media leading up to this historic fight, even she was taken aback by the attendance
“I didn’t think it would be this big. It’s a little bit surprising. I just feel bad I can’t get to everybody,” Rousey said. “A lot of people go through a lot of trouble to come to these events and to see me for a few seconds, and I just don’t have a few seconds for everyone. So to everybody I missed, I’m sorry. I appreciate you guys taking the time, but there’s only one of me.”
