Ronda Rousey Family Tree: The Story Behind Women's MMA Pioneer

Ronda Jean Rousey, born 1 February 1987 in Riverside, California, USA, is an American former MMA fighter and pro wrestler — first UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion 2012-2015 (6 title defences); 2008 Olympic bronze in Judo — first American woman to win an Olympic Judo medal; WWE Raw Women's Champion 2018-19; 12-2 MMA record — famously lost to Holly Holm November 2015 and Amanda Nunes December 2016.

The Family's Roots: A Judo Family

Mother was a US World Judo Champion.

Her Parents

Father: Ron Rousey — died by suicide when Ronda was 8 (had degenerative spine issues from car accident).

Mother: AnnMaria De Mars, born 1958 — first American to win a Judo World Championship (1984); PhD statistician.

Her Sisters

Maria Burns Ortiz, born 1978 — elder sister; ESPN journalist.

Jennifer Rousey — elder sister.

Julia Rousey — younger sister.

Her Husband: Travis Browne

Travis Browne, born 17 July 1982 — American; former UFC heavyweight. Married Ronda on 28 August 2017 in Hawaii.

Their Daughters

La'akea Makalapuaokalanipo Browne, born 27 September 2021 — daughter.

Genghis Browne, born March 2024 — daughter.

The Rousey Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Ron Rousey — died by suicide when Ronda was 8.

Mother: AnnMaria De Mars (b. 1958) — 1984 World Judo Champion; PhD.

Sisters: Maria (b. 1978); Jennifer; Julia.

Husband: Travis Browne (b. 17 July 1982; m. 28 August 2017) — UFC heavyweight.

Daughters: La'akea (b. 27 September 2021); Genghis (b. March 2024).

Ronda Rousey:

  • Born 1 February 1987, Riverside, CA
  • Started Judo at 11 (mother taught her)
  • 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze in Judo (70kg) — first American woman
  • MMA debut: August 2010
  • Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion: March 2012
  • 1st UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion: February 2013
  • 6 title defences: 2013-2015 (most memorable: 14-second armbar of Cat Zingano, February 2015)
  • Loss to Holly Holm: 14 November 2015 (head kick KO — one of MMA's shock moments)
  • Loss to Amanda Nunes: 30 December 2016
  • Retired from MMA 2016
  • WWE: 2018-2019 (Raw Women's Champion; SmackDown Women's Champion); WWE Hall of Fame 2018 fictional
  • Actress (Furious 7, Charlie's Angels)

What the Rousey Family Story Teaches Us

A father lost to suicide at 8. A mother who is 1984 World Judo Champion and PhD statistician. Three sisters. A UFC-heavyweight husband. Two daughters. A career that opened UFC's women's division to the world.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Ronda story carries the same lesson. Some careers open a UFC door for every future women's champion.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.