Coach Edmond Tarverdyan says Ronda Rousey ‘could still box with anybody in the world’

By Russell Ess - February 3, 2016

It has been made apparent that former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has not watched her fight against Holly Holm yet. According to her coach Edmond Tarverdyan, she may never watch her own knockout loss.

Tarverdyan spoke with ESPN recently on his critics and their gameplan versus pride in their match with Holly Holm at UFC 193 back in November.

Tarverdyan, who has been criticized a lot since Rousey was knocked out, including some heavy reviews from Rousey’s own mother, who in her own right is an Olympic judo gold medalist. With all the critiquing buzzing around Rousey who is one of the most popular draws the UFC has seen, Tarverdyan isn’t letting that affect him and the way he coaches.

“When you’re up there, somebody needs to be blamed for it,” Tarverdyan said. “I’m taking the blame. I’m OK with that. I know what reality is. I accept reality. Reality is people will talk all kinds of unnecessary stuff. As long as my fighter believes in me, I believe in my fighter and we’ll move on from there.”

When the topic of strategy came up and Rousey trying to make a statement choosing to stand up with the championship boxer that is Holm, Tarverdyan shed light on the subject.

“Our job wasn’t to prove she’s a better boxer, which I [still] believe Ronda could box with anybody in the world,” Tarverdyan said.

“Come on. We’re here to get the win. At that level, are you serious? Would you put your ego or whatever it is — I can’t even find the word — to prove something instead of defending the title? That’s dumb to even say that.”

Will Edmond Tarverdyan prepare Ronda Rousey to be her best and avenge her loss to Holly Holm? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!