Ronda Rousey Says She Would Fight Fallon Fox

UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey said she would accept a fight, reluctantly, against transgender fighter Fallon Fox.

Rousey said she researched the topic and came to an informed decision that Fox being born male gave her an edge over fighters who were born female.

“She can try hormones, chop her pecker off, but it’s still the same bone structure a man has,” Rousey told The New York Post. “It’s an advantage. I don’t think it’s fair.”

Other fighters, both male and female, have said Fox has an unfair advantage, but few have agreed that she should be allowed to fight women. Former Strikeforce bantamweight champion Miesha Tate said she wouldn’t face Fox unless she had absolute proof that she is structured like a female.

“If there was solid research that [proved] she’s 100 percent like a female, then I might consider it,” Tate said. “I have nothing against transgender people. You should live your life however you want. It’s about fighter safety.” Tate also questioned if Fox still has the bone density and body frame of a male.

“I understand she wants to be viewed as a female. I get it. That’s fine, but it’s not fine if you may have a physical advantage and may be able to really hurt someone,” she said.

Fallon Fox has been a controversial topic lately. The UFC recently suspended heavyweight Matt Mitrione for making transphobic comments against Fox, calling her a “a lying, sick, sociopathic disgusting freak.” The organization said Mitrione’s comments were a “significant breach of the UFC’s code of conduct,” which was implemented in January.

Rousey said Mitrione’s comments were worded “extremely poorly” and that the UFC was justified in suspending him. However, she added that Mitrione believes Fox is a male wanting to “beat up women” and she was glad the organization didn’t drop him entirely.

Rousey said she has fought hermaphroditic athletes in the past and had no problem with it because it wasn’t a choice they made, unlike Fox.

“It’s not something that happened to her,” Rousey said. “It was a decision she made. She should be aware in her career after that, it’s going to be an arduous path. I don’t know why she’s surprised by that. It’s going to draw a lot of emotions.”

What do you think of Ronda Rousey’s comments about Fallon Fox?

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