UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, arguably the biggest star in mixed martial arts today has commented on the controversy sweeping the nation regarding former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice hitting his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City elevator.
"I couldn't believe my eyes," Rousey told Extra. When asked about what her message to other women would be in the wake of the violent footage Rousey said, "I think you just need to respect yourself and see what you're worth and really know what you're worth.
"Unfortunately, I think a lot of women undersell themselves. They don't know how much they really deserve. I know for a fact that woman deserves more than what she believes."
UFC president Dana White spoke on the incident as well on Fox Sports Live, discussing the ramifications for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell if it’s proven he saw the Rice video before issuing his original two-game suspension. After the new video from inside the elevator became public, Rice’s suspension became indefinite, and he was released by the Ravens.
"If Roger Goodell saw that video, knew that was what happened, knew that Ray Rice did that to his wife or his fiancée or whatever it is, he should just get up and leave on his own," White said.
White then commented on Rice’s behavior once he had knocked his fiancée out.
"It is the most disturbing thing you will ever see," White said. "The thing that is just as bad as the punch is that he shows no remorse after he does it. If you did something in anger, you go, 'Oh my God, what did I do?' There's none of that with this guy."
White’s take may be taken with a grain of salt by some, however, in light of Thiago Silva’s ability to still fight in the UFC following his own harrowing domestic violence incident.
Silva was involved in a standoff with a S.W.A.T. team after showing up outside of a gym armed and demanding for his wife to exit. He reportedly was threatening to shoot people if she didn’t come out in 10 seconds. There are also reports of a previous incident between Silva and his wife Thaysa.
In this instance though, Thaysa Silva stopped cooperating with authorities and moved to Brazil, forcing the two charges of aggravated assault with a firearm to be dropped. He was reinstated by the UFC soon after.
“He went through the process and he wasn't charged with anything," White said. "The guy should have the ability to make a living."
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