Ronda Rousey Joins Serena Williams As Finalist For AP Athlete Of The Year

Since shockingly and brutally losing her title and her undefeated record due to a vicious beating from current champion Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm at last month’s (November 14, 2015) UFC 193, former queen “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey has remained relatively quiet within the media.

Despite the loss, however, Rousey has been named a finalist in the running for the Associated Press’s Female Athlete of the Year Award:

Finalists for AP Female Athlete of the Year: Carli Lloyd, Ronda Rousey and Serena Williams. Have a favorite? https://t.co/R3UMmQyhwq

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) December 22, 2015

Aside from her loss to Holm, Rousey did indeed have quite a spectacular year both in and out of the cage.

She fought three times throughout 2015, defending her previously held UFC bantamweight title twice in a grand total of 48 seconds, submitting Cat Zingano last February in 14 seconds and knocking out Bethe Correia last August in just 34 seconds.

While it may be surprising to see her nominated for the award given the nature of her loss, it should also go to show just how much Rousey has impacted not only mixed martial arts (MMA), but sports and the media in general.

As for her future, the situation still remains a bit cloudy, but it’s thought that Rousey will likely return next summer around the time of UFC 200 to rematch Holm for the title.

Will Rousey bounce back in her next fight and what do you make of her nomination?