Former judo Olympian and larger-than-life UFC champion Ronda Rousey entered last Saturday’s fight undefeated but shocked the world with a loss. To make things worse for her — not only did she lose — she got knocked out and even ended up in the hospital.
Double ouch.
I didn’t watch the fight for a couple of reasons: 1. I’m not really a huge UFC fan; 2. I had a rare weekend off from preaching so Saturday night was family night. And yes, in my house Elf trumps two ladies punching each other in the face.
Like everyone else, I was stunned when a friend told me Rousey had lost. She’s so good at what she does that I had just assumed she had won. I immediately went to my Twitter feed to get the full scoop and ended up watching countless Vine videos of Rousey getting kicked in the side of the head. Again, ouch. I also learned while viewing my Twitter feed that Rousey had refused to touch gloves (i.e. shake hands) with her opponent, Holly Holm. I am no longer surprised that she lost.
I believe there are five simple truths we can learn from someone who got kicked in the face and ended up in the hospital.
1. Stay Humble
Proverbs 16:18 (MSG) says, “First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.”
There’s a difference between confidence and cockiness. The moment we think we can’t lose is the moment we will lose.
2. Be A Good Sport
Refusing to shake hands is not only bad sportsmanship — it’s arrogant, rude, and sends a horrible message to every young person who looks up to you. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” #BeLikeJesus
3. You Can’t Win Every Time
Nobody wins every game. Not even Mike Tyson won every fight. Nobody wins every time. Eventually, you will lose. And when you do lose, lose gracefully. I do believe Ronda Rousey will learn from her loss. We need to learn from our mistakes so we’re ready the next time. Failure + learning = growth.
4. Losing Reveals Your Real Friends
It’s funny how many people have jumped ship since Rousey’s loss. Before the fight everyone seemed to be on her bandwagon. Fair-weather friends aren’t real friends. Proverbs 18:24 (MSG) says, Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
5. Get Back Up
One of my favorite scriptures (Micah 7:8 NLT) says, Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Rousey’s career isn’t over. She will get back up. Perhaps you’re lying in defeat. Get up! God’s got you.
I am also surprised that she lost. What surprises me even more was that was not coached to keep a good measure of humility. She was coached well, but not with excellence. This demonstrates the value of excellent coaching, not just good coaching. Anyone who believes they don’t need an excellent life coach is headed for a knockout too.
This was a great read thanks for writing it Chuck.
Thank you, Russell! It should be interesting to see how she responds in her rematch. I’m rooting for her! 🙂