Undefeated UFC star Ronda Rousey admits she’s ‘scared of fighting’

Rousey, who makes the sixth defence of her belt against Bethe Correia in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, was asked about her nerves before a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition photoshoot.

The undefeated star conceded that she was nervous about the shoot, but explained that it was nothing compared to what she feels when confronted with an opponent in a big fight.

"I get nervous, but I don't get scared like fighting," Ronda told Sports Illustrated.

"I get scared of fighting, because the worst that could happen is that I could die or get permanently maimed or become a quadriplegic for the rest of my life.

“Man, it's serious,” she added.

“The worst thing that could happen here is what? Someone could say I look bad in a bikini? Ugh, oh no.

“Fighting puts everything into perspective."

It was a candid message from Rousey ahead of her women’s bantamweight title fight at UFC 190 against Correia.

It should be unsurprising that a competitor like Rousey is able to admit to having fears going in to a big fight. The risks attached with competing in the UFC are very apparent so her very honest comments should not be seen as revealing a weakness, like some reports have suggested. Given the context of the interview with it being for a magazine following a photoshoot, Rousey was understandably open about her feelings away from her sport.