Ronda Rousey has made a relatively seamless transition from MMA to sports entertainment since signing with WWE in January. The former UFC sensation winning the Raw Women’s Championship at WWE SummerSlam 2018 earlier this month is proof of how far the 31-year-old has come in pro wrestling in less than a year.
Cindy Serrano and Katie Taylor recognize Rousey’s contributions and took the time to praise her ahead of their own lightweight boxing championship match at Boston’s TD Garden on Oct. 20. Both Taylor and Serrano believe that Rousey changing lanes to WWE can create a pipeline for women boxers and MMA athletes to possibly do the same in the future.
“Incredible,” Taylor told Sporting News about Rousey’s MMA run and successful transition to WWE. “She has really inspired so many women coming up. What she’s done for women’s MMA has been absolutely incredible. She was a headline athlete in MMA for many, many years and she’s brought women’s MMA to where it is today.
"There’s no reason why female fighters can’t do the same as what Ronda Rousey did [with transitioning to WWE]; in MMA as well. She’s a big inspiration.”
Serrano agrees.
“At least you know there’s other opportunities,” Serrano said. “I’m 36. I don’t know if I can venture into the UFC or go into WWE. I’d probably have a little more time in boxing. That’s where I dedicated all my life to, so, I’ll probably just stay here. But definitely … especially for the little ones growing up, you have different platforms. You could do UFC, WWE, or all three.”
Regarding a pipeline for women boxers and MMA athletes to WWE, Serrano added: “I think that’s where my sister (boxer Amanda Serrano) is going next. Just joking! I’m just joking.”
But all joking aside, Rousey’s WWE takeover could spell a wave of women boxers and MMA stars attempting the same either during the twilight or even prime of their respective careers.
Like Rousey did in MMA, Taylor (10-0, 5 KOS) has started out her pro boxing career on fire, having earned the WBA and IBF lightweight titles following her 2012 Olympic gold medal.
Serrano will try to put the first blemish on Taylor’s pro career.
If she can't, Serrano’s younger sister, Amanda, will be waiting.
Amanda has publicly stated that she can defeat Taylor. In return, the 32-year-old champ told Sporting News that she’d be up for clashing with Amanda after dealing with her sister, Cindy, first.
