Female Athlete Sports Marketer 2015: Ronda Rousey Was Rowdy, Resourceful
By Barry Janoff
January 13, 2016: Despite going down in November at the hands and feet of Holly Holm, Ronda Rousey has proven her bounce-back marketing mettle by landing a hosting gig on NBC's Saturday Night Live and a place in the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Prior to losing her UFC title and undefeated status to Holm, Rousey had established herself as a valuable brand not only for personal accolades but for the growth of the UFC.
"Ronda does attract a male audience. But we are finding that female demographic is also rising," said Garry Cook, chief global brand officer for the UFC. "People are intrigued with Ronda Rousey; she has changed the landscape. So when women come in and start to watch, they also engage with the MMA and the MMA audience. They see more than the fights, they see the fitness, the dedication."
Among Rousey's endorsement deals are Carl's Jr. Metro PC, Monster Energy, Snail Games, Buffalo clothing, Monster headphones and Reebok.
Her bout against Holm at UFC 193 in Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, was proceeded by a month's-long build up and attracted global media. And when she appeared at WrestleMania 31 last March alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, she generated headlines equal to that of the WWE's main stars.
As further proof of her breakout, she appeared in Furious 7 and Entourage, and is scheduled to have lead roles in the reboot of Road House, action film Mile 22 and a movie based on her autobiography, My Fight/Your Fight.
Honorable Mention
• Serena Williams
• U.S. Women's National Soccer Team
• Misty Copeland