Ronda Rousey effect on judo is strong, but it’s tough act to follow

Hannah Martin, who fights in Rousey’s old 63-kilogram (138-pound) weight class and was competing for bronze Monday night, has busted her shoulders, knees and mangled her fingers during her judo career and is one of the most tenacious competitors on the international circuit. Yet she has no wish to get “punched in the face.”

“I am not interested (in MMA),” Martin said.

The most touted potential defector from judo to the UFC has been Kayla Harrison, Rousey’s former sparring partner in the buildup to Beijing and a gold medalist herself in 2012. Harrison would need to drop more than 20 pounds to compete at the UFC’s highest level, much like Rousey was required to do when she switched. Training fights between the two were said to have been the stuff of legend.

However, while judo has benefitted from increased interest as a result of Rousey’s success, U.S. national team coach Jimmy Pedro warned that the lure of MMA should not be judged solely on the experience of the UFC star, who fights Bethe Correia in Rio on Aug. 1.

“There is a lot of money for the superstars, but you have to be willing to really pay a price and start all over again,” Pedro said. “You are talking about years of training to learn a new sport. The hope is someday there is a payout.

“At the highest level MMA is a well put together show but to get started in the sport there is a very seedy atmosphere for young girls, fighting in basements or bars, drunk guys yelling and screaming at the athletes. Ronda hit the lottery at the right time. For another girl to do that and follow Ronda’s footsteps is next to impossible.”

Nevertheless, the Rousey factor has brought more young female athletes into judo clubs, according to national team member Katie Sell, who fought against Rousey on numerous occasions.

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