The world of MMA thrives not only on fierce competition inside the cage but also on explosive personalities and rivalries that spill far beyond it. Few rivalries in combat sports have simmered as long and as publicly as the one between Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey. While the two never met inside the Octagon—much to fans’ disappointment—the verbal barbs thrown over the years have been nothing short of legendary.
And now, in a quote that’s shaking up the MMA community once again, Cris Cyborg has set social media ablaze by mocking Ronda Rousey’s boxing skills, stating bluntly:
“Her shadow won.”
Ouch. 🔥
The Origin of the Shade
This wasn’t a flippant comment tossed into the wind—it was intentional, sharp, and laced with years of built-up frustration. Cyborg made the statement after footage of Ronda Rousey hitting mitts during a training session began circulating online. Though the session was relatively tame, MMA fans—ever ready with critiques—pounced on Rousey’s form. But Cyborg, a veteran and champion across multiple organizations, took it to another level.
Her comment, posted on X (formerly Twitter), instantly went viral.
“That shadow put up more defense than her last three opponents. Her shadow won.” — Cris Cyborg
This wasn’t just shade—it was a full eclipse.
Rousey vs. Cyborg: A Rivalry That Never Died
Let’s rewind. Ronda Rousey once ruled women’s MMA with an iron armbar. Undefeated and dominant, she was the UFC’s golden girl. At the same time, Cris Cyborg was carving her own destructive path, albeit in different organizations like Strikeforce, Invicta, and later the UFC. For years, fans begged for a super-fight between the two most feared women in MMA. But the fight never materialized.
Why? There were several factors:
- Weight class issues: Rousey refused to move up to 145 lbs, where Cyborg reigned.
- Contract disputes: Cyborg wasn’t in the UFC until Rousey was nearing the end of her dominance.
- Timing: By the time Cyborg was ready and Rousey was willing, Rousey was already fading from the MMA scene.
Instead, what we got was a cold war of interviews, tweets, and passive-aggressive jabs. Now, years later, the heat hasn’t died down—it’s only evolved.
When Ronda Fell
For those who may have forgotten, Rousey’s descent from stardom began with a vicious head kick knockout at the hands of Holly Holm in 2015. A year later, Amanda Nunes demolished her in under a minute. Both fights exposed a glaring weakness in Rousey’s game: her striking. Despite her legendary grappling, Ronda’s stand-up was criticized as robotic and flat-footed.
Cyborg, known for her devastating Muay Thai and boxing, had always maintained that Rousey’s team—particularly coach Edmond Tarverdyan—failed to evolve her game. She often referred to his coaching as “a Hollywood illusion,” emphasizing that Rousey was being sold as a complete fighter when her striking was far from elite.
Now, in 2025, with Rousey long retired from MMA and dabbling in wrestling and motherhood, Cyborg’s jab reopens an old wound.
Was It Too Far?
Some fans argue Cyborg’s comment was unnecessary. Rousey hasn’t fought in years. She’s moved on, hasn’t called anyone out, and hasn’t inserted herself into current MMA discourse. So why bring up her past failures?
But others see it differently.
In a world where fighters constantly craft narratives and maintain rivalries to stay relevant, Cyborg’s comment serves a strategic purpose. It revives attention, reinforces her own dominance, and reignites one of MMA’s greatest what-if rivalries.
Moreover, Cyborg’s dig might be less about Ronda and more about the myth that surrounded her. For years, fans and UFC brass treated Ronda as unbeatable. Many fighters, especially those who were simultaneously dominating in other promotions, resented the narrative.
Social Media Reacts: Split Decision
Cyborg’s “shadow” comment split the internet like a judge’s controversial scorecard.
👊 Team Cyborg chimed in:
- “Facts. Ronda couldn’t box to save her life.”
- “She’s not wrong though. Cyborg would’ve KO’d her inside two rounds.”
🤼 Team Rousey defended the former champ:
- “Cyborg’s still talking about Ronda in 2025? That’s obsession, not shade.”
- “Ronda brought women’s MMA to the mainstream. Put some respect on her name.”
💬 Neutral Fans added context:
- “Wish this fight actually happened. The buildup alone would’ve been bigger than McGregor vs. Diaz.”
- “It’s sad how women in MMA still tear each other down instead of building each other up.”
But no matter where fans landed, everyone was talking about it—and in the world of fight promotion, that’s a win in itself.
Beyond the Shade: A Legacy Question
There’s something deeper here than just a viral quote.
Cyborg’s mockery raises questions about legacy and perception in MMA. How do we remember Ronda Rousey? As the trailblazing champion who changed women’s MMA forever? Or as the fighter who crumbled once her flaws were exposed?
And what about Cyborg? Despite her unmatched dominance and longevity, she has often lived in Ronda’s media shadow. She’s held titles in Strikeforce, Invicta, UFC, and Bellator. Yet, many casual fans remember Rousey more vividly—largely due to UFC marketing and Hollywood crossover appeal.
That’s likely part of why Cyborg still feels the need to call Ronda out. It’s not just about fighting ability—it’s about narrative.
Will We Ever See Them in the Same Ring?
The short answer? Probably not.
Rousey appears content in her WWE role and motherhood. Cyborg, while still fighting, is in the twilight of her career and more focused on promoting her own events and brand.
But could a charity exhibition boxing match tempt them into one final face-off? Stranger things have happened. After all, if Logan Paul can box Floyd Mayweather, anything is possible in today’s combat sports circus.
Fans would tune in not for the technical display—but for the emotion, the drama, the final closure of a rivalry that never quite peaked.
Final Bell: Drama That Won’t Die
“Her shadow won” may go down as one of the most savage lines in MMA trash talk history. It’s brutal, biting, and possibly even a little sad. Because behind it lies a rivalry that deserved to happen inside the cage—but never did.
Still, moments like this keep the fire alive. And for fans of the sport, that flame is part of what makes MMA so electrifying.
So, whether you side with Cyborg or Rousey, one thing is certain: this fight may never happen, but the war of words is still undefeated.
💬 What do you think?
Was Cyborg out of line—or just speaking the truth? Should Ronda respond, or let sleeping legends lie? Drop your thoughts, and let’s get this cage-side conversation started! 👇🔥
