Ronda Rousey is set to power #AndStill trend on the social media circles once more after she destroys Bethe Correia at UFC 190, and in the process, affirms her UFC legacy. That's exactly what everyone is thinking, but the main event may not turn out to have that exact outcome.
The 'Pitbull' Correia is undefeated in the Octagon and the Brazilian's on a nine-match winning streak. She may come into the fight as the underdog, but expect fireworks once she gets that adrenaline rush with the proper backing of the home crowd in Rio de Janeiro.
Having said that, it's also amazing to note the kind of reception Rousey has been getting in Brazil so far. The UFC women's bantamweight champion is suprised as she expected boos from the crowd during the pre-fight open workouts and the weigh-ins, but she only got cheers.
"I wouldn't get mad if everybody came out here and they booed me. But I have to admit, it really warms my heart a lot to get such a warm reception from people who I respect so much," the 28-year-old Californian said.
'UFC 190: Rousey vs Correia' is definitely one of the biggest pay-per-views of UFC in this calendar year. Not only does the main event of the PPV celebrate the legacy of the most lethal women's mixed martial arts fighter in the world, but it also throws up another underdog in the cage to go against the seemingly-invincible champion.
But if the weigh-ins are anything to go by, Correia - although the underdog - is set to come hard at 'Rowdy'.
This fight, according to Ronda, is her perfect 'Rocky IV' moment. The character of the boxer, immortalised by Sylvester Stallone, in the movie, travels to Russia to face Ivan Drago, and Rocky does the impossible by defeating Drago and winning a hostile crowd's hearts.
This is exactly something Rousey is even looking forward to on Saturday at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 28-year-old also admitted that she will pay tribute to the deceased pro-wrestling star Rowdy Roddy Piper, by winning the bout against Correia.
"It's really been an eye-opening experience," Rousey admits. "I'm going to accept and be whoever the fans want me to be, because it's for them. This is about me and my legacy, and for them and their enjoyment."
For the 32-year-old Correia, a shock win over Rousey looks unlikely, but the No. 5 ranked UFC women's bantamweight fighter will not let things go against her control on the day.
She has two wins via knockout, and seven via unanimous decisions, so far in her Octagon career. "She [Ronda] is scared. She knows what she's in for," a determined Correia said.
Even Rousey is not taking things lightly.
"I'm just going to be more thorough and careful. I'm just being really risky when I'm fast so I'm going to be careful, I'm going to take my time," The Expendables 3 actor said.
When asked about the words thrown by the Brazilian during the weigh-in, Rousey said that she couldn't care less.
"I don't understand what she's saying a lot of the time so whenever I have staredowns with my opponent I'm thinking about all the things I'm going to do to them and just my intent to show through my eyes without spending my time thinking about what I'm going to say. It's distracting," Rousey said.
Rousey comes into the fight with a 11-0-0 record, which includes five title defenses.
Support poured in for Rousey from the WWE World Heavyweight Champion as well -
The co-main event of UFC 190 features a light heavyweight title fight between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Rogerio Nogueira.
Where to Watch Live
UFC 190: Rousey vs Correia airs LIVE on Fox Sports 1 at 10pm ET / 7pm PT (7:30am IST, 3am BST) with live coverage in India on Sony SIX/SIX HD & KIX.
Four prelim bouts will be aired live on FOX Sports 2 in the US at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Viewers in the UK can catch the pay-per-view live on BT Sport 2.
