Fans Energize Ronda Rousey As She Prepares For UFC 193 Vs. Holly Holm

At some point, Ronda Rousey may no longer feel an overpowering rush of emotion as she’s celebrated by assemblages of adoring fans. She might not be driven to tears of gratitude and joy, of appreciation and wonderment for how her athletic efforts and accomplishments impact others.

This week — the threshold of UFC 193 and its expected record-setting crowd at Etihad Stadium for Rousey’s UFC bantamweight title defense against undefeated Holly Holm — is not that time.

On a sun-splashed afternoon at Melbourne, Australia’s beautiful downtown Federation Square, Rousey showcased her lightning-quick skills before a massive crowd at the UFC 193 Open Workout sessions.

As she furiously skipped rope onstage, fans responded by screaming their approval, and Rousey’s tough game face ultimately surrendered to her heart.

She burst into a broad smile, and tears of pure bliss welled in her eyes.

“There is so much positivity and support … sometimes, I’m like ‘Man, I really hope I deserve this!’ I mean, I’m trying my best to deserve it, I really, really am, but sometimes, you just get wrapped up in how amazing all of this is,” Rousey said breathlessly. “You get so focused on the fight and it causes so much stress and anxiety in you, and you can lose sight of how amazing it is sometimes.

“This fight has really been an opportunity to see that.”