Laila Ali has been a long-time defender of boxing, and an outspoken critic of Ronda Rousey. When Rousey was an undefeated -- and almost unhittable -- champion in the octagon, Ali's criticisms seemed a little half-baked.
But after Rousey's KO loss against Holly Holm -- the first of her MMA career -- Ali's comments have a little more merit. After previously suggesting that Rousey didn't have the neck movements or the rhythm to go toe-to-toe with a trained boxer, Ali told TMZ after the fight that Holm -- a boxer-turned-MMA fighter -- was the "obvious" superior Saturday night.
"[Holly] didn't shock me, of course not. I'm familiar with Holly Holm, she's a talented boxer, she's a world champion, she's got MMA background, and obviously was no chump," Ali said. "So I'm excited for her, and hopefully she'll get the exposure she needs to take her career to the next level."
In the fight, Rousey appeared unprepared to deal with Holm's boxing game, and paid dearly. While some are calling it a massive upset, Ali thinks the fight went as it should have, because Rousey -- in her estimation -- never should have been revered as the best fighter in the world.
"I don't think I need to say that. It's obvious who the better fighter was," Ali said. "It's not even about [Rousey] at this point. I think she can watch the tape and see what she needs to work on.
"In order to be the best in the world, you definitely don't EVER get beat up like that in your prime, period."
It'll be a while before Rousey can respond to those comments in a fight. She's expected to take a long break until next summer.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey steals the spotlight when she puts the clamps on Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey connects with fans in Brazil.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey speaks on a sports panel at SXSW in Austin.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Mario Lopez welcomes Rousey to the set of 'Extra' at Universal Studios
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey waves to fans at Univesal CityWalk.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey appears at a promotional event with Reebok and UFC.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Hip hop artist Swizz Beatz poses with Rousey.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey draws a crowd in Hollywood.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends a special screening of "The Expendables 3" in Macao.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger flank Rousey at The Venetian Macao.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends the Los Angeles premiere of "The Expendables 3" at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
"The Expendables 3" is Rousey's first acting credit.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey shares a laugh with Joe Rogan after weighing in before UFC 175.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey joins the cast of "The Expendables 3" at the Cannes Film Festival.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey attends the Cannes premiere of "The Expendables 3" with Antonio Banderas, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Wesley Snipes.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey works a scene on location in Beverly Hills with Jerry Ferrara for the "Entoutage" movie.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey takes time to pose with a fan at LAX airport.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey poses during a UFC portrait session in December 2013.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey has an exchange with Jimmy Kimmel.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey is featured in the 2012 edition of ESPN The Magazine's annual body issue.
Ronda Rousey: Outside The Octagon
Rousey wins a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She is the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo.
