Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Women's Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey burst onto the mixed martial arts (MMA) scene in 2011, submitting Ediane Gomes at King of the Cage (KOTC) via armbar in the very first round.
Six mirror-image performances later, and "Rowdy" has garnered the reputation as one of the most dominant fighters, man or woman, in the sport on her way to becoming the first-ever female MMA fighter to break the $1 million mark.
Her aggressive, never back down style has not only made her a fan favorite, but has also a media darling, putting her in the same company as box office draw and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar.
But, if you ask Rousey, she'd rather be compared to former Pride FC 265-pound champ Fedor Emelianenko, the man many fight fans consider to be the best big man of all time. That's because, according to the judoka during a Metro PCS fan chat, she tries to emulate the fight style of "The Last Emperor:"
Her words:
"My favorite fighter to watch ever I would say is Fedor Emelianenko. He's always going to be my favorite. It was the first highlight reel I ever saw of MMA. I loved his style and how he came from a Judo-Sambo background, and I really try to emulate his style every time that I fight."
Not a bad fighter to pattern your style after.
Emelianenko's legendary career took off in Japan, where he dominated the now-defunct Pride FC organization with an undefeated record (15-0) to add on to his unprecedented 28-fight win streak that spanned from 2001 to 2009.
And, much like Rousey, the now retired heavyweight had a habit of finishing fights thanks to his aggressive form. In fact, only eight of his 35 victories came via decision.
While Ronda is still young in her MMA career, should she continue her winning and dominant ways, she can very well leave behind a legacy like that of "The Last Emperor."
Perhaps even one greater.