Ronda Rousey to dedicate UFC 190 performance to the late Rowdy Roddy Piper

Ronda Rousey will fight with a heavier heart than normal when she steps into the cage at UFC 190 tonight (Sat., Aug. 1, 2015) inside HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (check out the fight card here) to face Bethe Correia.

The long-time women's Bantamweight champion, as well of the rest of the professional sports world and beyond, learned of the passing of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame Inductee and beloved personality "Rowdy" Roddy Piper Friday afternoon.

Piper, who died at the age of 61 from cardiac arrest in his home on Thursday, contributed to a very specific part of Rousey's rise in mixed martial arts (MMA): He gave her permission to use his nickname.

In an Instagram post uploaded Saturday evening, shortly after weigh-ins (highlights here), the 28-year-old paid tribute and announced her intent to dedicate her title defense versus Correia to the late wrestler.

Thank you for the name.... And so much more.... Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow.... This one's for you Roddy....

A photo posted by rondarousey (@rondarousey) on Jul 31, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

Rousey is well-known to be a fan of professional wrestling and even made an appearance at Wrestlemania 31 back in March. She has held the nickname ever since being introduced to Piper prior to her amateur MMA debut.

Rousey might even return to the squared circle some day .. You never know, but as long as she represents UFC, that appears to be a big, fat NO.

Meanwhile, Rousey heads into her sixth title defense against the upstart and hungry Brazilian Correia looking to drag things out. Correia, like Rousey, is undefeated at 9-0 and has defeated two of the latter's training partners.

Correia has stoked the flames numerous times with "intentional" controversial comments. Her mother even got involved on one occasion.

Do not miss what is sure to be an action-packed fight, no matter how long it lasts.

Remember to stay with MMAmania for all of your UFC 190: "Rousey vs. Correia" coverage, including live updates and play-by-play, post-fight recaps and analysis; plus much more!