Ronda Rousey — January 2013

When we got the call at Oxygen that Ronda Rousey was going to be in town for a UFC event, we jumped at the chance of a photo shoot with her. Competing in a sport that’s notoriously famous for its male athletes, we were excited to work with a woman, who, at just 25 years old, is taking the MMA world by storm and kicking butt for a living.

From the stadium to the cage

Ronda has competed twice in the Olympic Games – at just 17 years old in Athens in 2004, and four years later in Beijing, where she took home a bronze medal. At 25 and competing in a different kind of event, Ronda says she’s changed as an athlete. “When I was in the Olympics, I was surprised to see myself at that level. I didn’t know where I fit in. Now I know where I belong and [that I] deserve to be there.”

Being responsible

Being an athlete comes with unlimited responsibilities, like training, dieting and being adored by many. But Ronda understands she can’t be a role model for everyone, so she focuses on just one person – her 14-year-old sister.

Tough love

It’s safe to say that Ronda is a graduate of the school of hard knocks. She credits her mom, Ann Maria, for passing down her work ethic – she was the first American to win the World Judo Championship in 1984. So what advice does Ronda have for someone looking to chase a dream? She certainly doesn’t tip-toe around the subject. “The path is extremely bumpy. The people who want it the most are going to win it. You must be consistently motivated.”

Cover Girl Quick Facts:

Age: 25
Sign: Aquarius
Hometown: Venice, California
Neat fact: Ronda loves animals and used to have a side job as a veterinary assistant.
Things she can't live without:

• Her dog, Mochi (a Dogo Argentino).
• Hair ties (especially for her tough workouts).
• The beach. “I need to have an ocean near me at all times.”

Cool Sip:

Instead of opting for sugary drinks that will make her crash, Ronda blends up this icy drink to fuel her body with essential amino acids, stay hydrated and keep her body fighting strong. “It’s just like a Slurpee. It tastes so good and is really refreshing.”

Ronda's Super Slushie Ready in 5 minutes • Makes 1 serving

1 scoop Aminolast by Gaspari Nutrition (Ronda likes Kiwi Strawberry flavor) 1 cup coconut water Ice Blend all ingredients until a slush consistency forms. Nutrients per serving: Calories: 55, Total Fats: 0 g, Saturated Fat: 0 g, Trans Fat: 0 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 277 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 9 g, Dietary Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 6 g, Protein: 2 g, Iron: 0 mg

Playlist

Ronda likes to throw a jab to fast beats, like Deadmau5, while she trains. Check out the tunes that rank high in her listening charts right now.

1. One Headlight – The Wallflowers Download Download 2. The Jeep Song – The Dresden Dolls Download Download 3. Up Up & Away – Kid Cudi Download Download 4. Animal Rights – Deadmau5 & Wolfgang Gartner Download Download 5. All Yr Songs – Diamond Rings Download Download 6. 1980 – Rehab Download Download 7. Universally Speaking – Red Hot Chili Peppers Download Download 8. Ho Hey – The Lumineers Download Download 9. Lights Out – Santigold Download Download 10. Vanished – Crystal Castles Download Download