To those who found themselves scoffing at a GIF of Ronda Rousey trying to throw a jab in preparation for her comeback fight, her capitulation at the hands of Amanda Nunez was as sure as the sunrise which followed.
Rousey's legacy as one of the greatest female fighters and indeed female athletes remains intact; her reign of dominance is such that two defeats don't necessarily tarnish her past achievements. But Holly Holm did more than systematically break Rousey down - she took Rousey's soul. And so, despite a prolonged spell of self-reflection and media blackout-aided training, once 'Rowdy' Ronda ate a shot in the opening five seconds of her return to the octagon, she was battling demons.
13 months, of course, is not enough time to learn how to stand and trade - or at least not well. Add to the mix that Rousey's coach, Edmond Tarverdyan (nothing to Daenerys), is not very good, and her comeback was destined for disaster, regardless of bookies' odds.
Here's a transcript of Tarverdyan's instructions during her defeat to Nunes:
Head movement! Head movement! Head movement! Head movement! Head movement! Head movement! Head movement! Yes, move! Hands up! Hands up! Catch her! Please!
"Head Movement, good jab! Move, move! Move, please! Move, move, move, clinch, clinch, clinch! CLINCH! CLINCH! CLINCH! No! NO! NO! NO! NO! Move out! Move, fuck!
He's not exactly a beacon of composure in his fighters' corners (just ask Rousey's stablemates), and it showed during footage of the shit-fit that he threw as his fighter was defeated, which was released by the UFC earlier today.
It doesn't take an expert to point out that roaring, "NO!" and throwing a strop akin to Cristiano Ronaldo isn't conducive to your fighter surviving hairy moments, in any combat code.
The decision to stick with Tarverdyan, however, is Rousey's cross to bear. It's unlikely we'll see her in the octagon again.
