Holly Holm recently opened up about the tension between Ronda Rousey and UFC fans. Holm offered a candid take on why Rousey’s relationship with the fanbase soured over the years.

According to Holm, although the MMA community can be harsh at times, they ultimately respect fighters, especially UFC champions. Rousey has criticized fans and even the likes of Joe Rogan for allegedly turning their backs on her when she lost. However, the biggest criticism of ‘Rowdy’ from the MMA community has been her reluctance to address her losses.

Holm noted that Rousey distancing herself from the sport played a role in shaping a negative perception. She believes that had ‘Rowdy’ handled her losses differently, there would be more understanding.

Despite that criticism, Holm believes Rousey would still be cheered if she returned to the octagon.

“If [Rousey] was to come back for a fight, people would cheer for her. I feel like she always feels like everybody’s against her, but she took herself away from the fans rather than them leaving her,” Holm told MMA Fighting. “[Fans] realize things happen, not everything is always perfect.”

She added:

“I think if [Rousey] would have faced it different, it probably wouldn’t have been so negative as a whole in her own mind and how she felt.”

Holly Holm Says Ronda Rousey Didn’t Handle Her UFC Exit the Right Properly

Holly Holm also feels that Ronda Rousey didn’t handle her UFC exit properly. After losing to Amanda Nunes, she ultimately avoided discussing it and later transitioned to a pro wrestling career with WWE.

Holm made a comparison between Rousey and other former UFC champions that have suffered a loss and then retired. She feels that they did a much better job of owning up to it. Because of that, they are respected more after they retire.

“I think Ronda, she definitely didn’t like how her career ended, but she’s a lot responsible for that,” Hold said during an interview with MMA Fighting. “She pulled herself away. You see some of these champions that are reigning champions, they run into a hiccup and they at least face the crowd, face the camera, face the fans. Face it.”

She added:

“I believe a little bit of higher respect in that aspect, and I think that a lot of fans were like, ‘She just took off.’”

Holm Explains Why Rousey Might Return to the UFC

Rousey has made it known that she has been training again. However, she hasn’t announced whether she intends to make a UFC comeback.

There has been plenty of speculation that Rousey could return for a bout against former Strikeforce star Gina Carano. Speaking with MMA Fighting, Holm believes that Rousey may have a desire to return to the octagon due to past regrets.

Holm said Rousey could have the chance to end her career more positively.

“Maybe [Rousey] feels she wants to come back and make it right for her and feel better about it and maybe she’s got some itch in her that wants to get out and have a win,” Holm said. “Every athlete is going to feel that. And if she does, more power to her. We’ll see what happens.”