Rousey named finalist for prestigious Sports Illustrated award
Along the way to becoming the UFC’s most popular fighter, Ronda Rousey has filled her trophy case with just about every imaginable award.
She may soon have to make some more space.
The 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in judo has been named one of 12 contenders for Sports Illustrated’s 2015 Sportsman of the Year.
Rousey, who will defend the UFC women’s bantamweight title against Holly Holm in the main event of UFC 193 in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday, has stiff competition for the title.
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, PGA star Jordan Speith, World Cup hero Carli Lloyd and NBA superstar Steph Curry are also on the list.
In writing about her nomination, Sports Illustrated praised Rousey for just how quickly she dispatched of her competition this year.
“There may not be an athlete alive more dominant at his or her sport than Rousey,” Richard Deitsch wrote. “The undefeated UFC women’s bantamweight champion had the best year of her career in 2015, taking out previously unbeaten Cat Zingano via armbar in a mere 14 seconds at UFC 184 and following that up with a 34-second KO of Bethe Correia at UFC 190 in Brazil.”
Voting is open on the Sports Illustrated website for who should win, but ultimately the publication will make the call and unveil the choice on Dec. 14.
The rest of the field named as contenders are Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, Thomas Davis, Novak Djokovic, Lionel Messi, the Kansas City Royals and Serena Williams.
Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj