Ronda Rousey gives bullish interview ahead of UFC Bantamweight fight with Holly Holm: 'I'm the champion for a reason'

  • Ronda Rousey makes appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show
  • UFC Bantamweight Champion defends her title against Holly Holm
  • Mixed martial artist promises to show Holm what she is capable of
  • Rousey reveals sushi friendship with tennis superstar Serena Williams

By James Dutton For Mailonline

Published: 18:52 EST, 6 October 2015 | Updated: 04:49 EST, 7 October 2015

The UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey geared up for her title defence with an appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' on Tuesday. 

Rousey faces Holly Holm in Melbourne in November.

Rousey has busied herself with media apperances in build up to the fight and gave a forthright interview to E! News, in which the 28-year-old mixed martial artist opens up about her forthcoming fight, her new found friendship with tennis star Serena Williams as well as the rumuors surrounding her personal life.

Ronda Rousey made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show on US television on October 6

Ronda Rousey made an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show on US television on October 6

The UFC Bantamweight champion defends her title against Holly Holm in Melbourne in November

The UFC Bantamweight champion defends her title against Holly Holm in Melbourne in November

In E! News interview she declares she is 'champion for a reason' and will display what she is 'really capable of'

In E! News interview she declares she is 'champion for a reason' and will display what she is 'really capable of'

'I'm the champion for a reason,' Rousey says.

'I'm the champion because I'm the best in every area. If I haven't gotten the chance to prove it so much with my other opponents, then Holly is a blessing because I'll be able to display what I'm really capable of.

'On paper, this actually looks like a terrible fight for me,' she continues. 

Rousey worries about losing her title constantly and says it motivates her to work harder than ever

Rousey worries about losing her title constantly and says it motivates her to work harder than ever

Rousey believes she is the champion because she is the best in every area and will prove it against Holm

Rousey believes she is the champion because she is the best in every area and will prove it against Holm

'But I'm going to show everybody why what you see on paper isn't what you're going to see in person. She's going to have a lot of changed stats the day that I beat her.'

Rousey admits she worries about losing her title 'constantly.'

She explains: 'I worry about it so much...That's why I work so much harder than they do. 

'And it's why I go to sleep every night worrying about every single possible scenario and I'm so much more prepared than them.'

The Furious 7 star refused to be drawn on her personal life because she does not want to give explanations

The Furious 7 star refused to be drawn on her personal life because she does not want to give explanations

She adds: 'The dog with the bone is always in danger, so of course I'm always the most worried.'

The 28-year-old has become a role model at the top of her field and reveals her secret to handling any backlash is, 'simply not giving a s**t.' 

'I like to be part of the change I want to see in the world,' she says. 'Not being afraid of criticism is actually a big advantage. I feel like I tried to be agreeable and failed – it failed me. 

Rousey says she could 'comfortably retire right now if I wanted to' in the interview with E! News

Rousey says she could 'comfortably retire right now if I wanted to' in the interview with E! News

'And so I just did not give a s**t and ended up succeeding a lot more because of it. 

'Now I have all these people saying the most terrible things you can think of about me, but I could comfortably retire right now if I wanted to. 

'It just puts into perspective how little other people's opinions are actually worth.'

The Furious 7 actress refused to be drawn on her personal life as it becomes the subject of public interest.

'I try to keep my personal life private because once people get used to me explaining myself and what I do in my personal life, they'll start feeling entitled to an explanation,' she shares. 

Rousey has made friends with Serena Williams and says the two have 'handled some sushi' together

Rousey has made friends with Serena Williams and says the two have 'handled some sushi' together

'There are some things you have a right to keep near and dear.'

The American is now making friends with other famous sports stars, revealing a blossoming relationship between her and tennis superstar Serena Williams.

'Serena hit me up and I almost died! We've hung out a little bit and she's so cool. She's so awesome,' she gushed.

'At first I was like, 'Oh my god, I'm so nervous.' And then after a few minutes I was like, 'This girl is so awesome!' We handled some sushi. It was nice to be out with another cool woman who can handle some food.'

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