Ronda Rousey is set to embrace motherhood once again! The professional wrestler and former UFC champion announced her pregnancy during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, 2024. The 37-year-old athlete shared the exciting news while promoting her debut graphic novel, “Expecting the Unexpected.”
Rousey, who is already a proud mother to her two-year-old daughter La’akea Makalapuaokalanipō, revealed her baby bump to the audience while engaging in a lively discussion with actor and panel host Dave Bautista. The couple, who tied the knot in Hawaii in August 2017, are thrilled to be expanding their family.
During the panel, Rousey expressed her joy about the journey of motherhood and how it has influenced her creative endeavors. “This experience in itself has been so rewarding, and with your support, I hope to continue to be a graphic novelist,” she said. She humorously added, “It doesn’t attack my body as much, so maybe I can keep doing this until I’m an old lady — or at least while I keep popping out these babies!”
Rousey’s announcement was met with excitement from fans and attendees alike. She playfully pointed out her pregnancy, saying, “Did anyone notice that I’m very pregnant right now? Yeah, I’m just as pregnant as ‘Mom’ is in the majority of the comic.” The graphic novel, which launched through a Kickstarter campaign, has already garnered significant support, raising over $6,000 within hours of its release.
The couple’s first child, La’akea, was born in September 2021. Rousey has often shared her experiences of motherhood on social media, celebrating the joys and challenges that come with raising a child. In a previous interview, she described her daughter as tough, noting, “Oh, she’s definitely going to be tough. She doesn’t respond to pain so much. She just fell and scraped her knee today and she was just like… she didn’t even cry. She just kind of grunts it out!”
Rousey and her husband, Travis Browne, are not only parents to La’akea but also share a blended family, as Browne has two teenage sons from a previous marriage. The couple has been open about their parenting journey, often sharing heartwarming moments on social media. Rousey has expressed her pride in breastfeeding and the beauty of motherhood, stating, “Motherhood’s some badass, primal, beautiful s— that shouldn’t be hidden.”
The couple first connected in 2015, and their relationship blossomed over the years. Browne proposed in New Zealand in 2017, and they celebrated their wedding in Hawaii. Rousey has often praised her husband, referring to him as the “sexiest man alive” and the “Daddest Dad on the Planet.” Their bond has only grown stronger as they navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood together.
As Rousey prepares for the arrival of their second child, she has also made it clear that her focus is on family. In a recent interview, she stated that her dream of having a “whole basketball team of kids” would prevent her from returning to the UFC. Rousey has expressed her desire to prioritize her family over her fighting career, emphasizing that she “can’t take any more detours” from her plans for a big family.
Rousey’s journey as a mother has been filled with moments of joy and reflection. She has shared her thoughts on breastfeeding and the importance of normalizing the experience, stating, “It’s really nothing to be ashamed of, it’s something to brag about.” Her candidness about motherhood has resonated with many, inspiring other parents to embrace their own journeys.
As the couple looks forward to welcoming their new addition, fans and followers are excited to see how Rousey balances her career and family life. With her determination and passion, there’s no doubt that she will continue to thrive in both arenas.
Ronda Rousey’s announcement has sparked joy among her fans, who have been following her journey since her rise to fame in the UFC and later in WWE. Known for her fierce competitiveness and groundbreaking achievements in sports, Rousey has also become a role model for many aspiring athletes and parents alike.
As she embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, Rousey’s story serves as a reminder of the beauty of family and the strength that comes from embracing one’s journey. With her husband by her side and their growing family, Rousey is ready to take on the challenges and joys that lie ahead.
Source: PEOPLE, TMZ Sports, Variety