Content warning for a discussion of the sexualization of fighters, and a combat sports-specific image with some blood in the piece. In February 2013, Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche became the first women to compete in the UFC. The bout, which ended in the final seconds of the first round due to Rousey’s signature armbar, is now regarded as a turning point for women’s MMA. Once seen widely as novelty acts, female fighters had fought their way to the sport’s most prominent promotion. Thanks to her massive role in that process, Rousey became almost synonymous with women’s MMA worldwide. Long before Rousey, though, there were women making history in their … Continue reading “Embarrassment Isn’t shame” A Conversation with Women’s MMA pioneer Julie Kedzie