The Men in Ronda Rousey’s Life: From Exes and Rumors to Her Husband Travis Browne
Ronda Rousey changed women’s MMA forever. She broke barriers, shattered records, and became one of the most dominant athletes of her generation. But behind the armbars and championship belts was a complicated personal life filled with intense relationships, public drama, and persistent rumors.
From early romances to her current marriage, the men connected to Ronda weren’t just side characters — they were part of the chaos, growth, and evolution of one of combat sports’ biggest stars.
Here’s a look at the key relationships and rumored connections that shaped her story.
Brendan Schaub: The Messy Breakup
Ronda began dating UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub in 2013, right as her star was rising. Both were training at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Torrance, California, and for a while, the relationship seemed natural — two fighters chasing success in the same world.
It didn’t last. By July 2014, they had broken up, and Schaub had plenty to say about it.
In a 2015 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Schaub claimed Ronda was surrounded by “yes-men” who never challenged her. He said he was “too much of a man” for her because he wouldn’t just agree with everything she said. The comments drew massive backlash from Ronda’s fans.
Schaub later walked some of it back, saying his words were taken out of context and that he still supported Ronda. But the damage was done.
The situation became even more awkward when Ronda started dating another UFC heavyweight — Travis Browne — who was scheduled to fight Schaub. At UFC 181 in December 2014, Browne knocked Schaub out in the first round. Ronda later admitted in her memoir that she took satisfaction in watching her new boyfriend finish her ex.
Schaub eventually moved on, though he and Ronda’s paths continued to cross indirectly through the MMA world.
Travis Browne: Husband and Father of Her Children
Travis Browne was different from the others. A towering UFC heavyweight from Hawaii, he and Ronda had trained at the same gym for years before their relationship turned romantic in the summer of 2015.
They went public in October 2015. Travis was direct about their relationship from the start, telling Ariel Helwani, “Dating is for children. She’s my woman and I’m her man.”
Their relationship began amid controversy. When rumors first surfaced, Travis was still legally married to his second wife, Jenna Renee Webb, who posted photos online accusing him of domestic violence. The UFC investigated, and Travis was briefly suspended, but no charges were filed and the investigation was inconclusive. Travis has always denied the allegations.
Ronda stood by him. The two got engaged in April 2017 and married in Hawaii in August 2017 in a low-key ceremony.
Since then, they’ve built a stable life together. They own ranches in Oregon and California, practice regenerative farming, and have two daughters: La’akea (born 2021) and Liko (born 2025). Travis also has two sons from a previous marriage.
Ronda has described Travis as her rock — the calm, steady presence who supported her through retirement, her time in WWE, and life after fighting. They’ve spoken about eventually moving to Hawaii and opening a free dojo for local kids.
Jon Jones: The Persistent Rumor
For years, rumors circulated about a possible romantic connection between Ronda and Jon Jones. The two trained together at times, publicly supported each other, and had mutual respect as top fighters.
The speculation intensified after Jon helped train Holly Holm before her famous knockout win over Ronda at UFC 193. Some fans connected imaginary dots. Rampage Jackson added fuel to the fire during a 2017 livestream when he claimed Jon had “smashed” Ronda.
Neither Jon nor Ronda ever addressed the rumor directly. Most evidence suggests they were simply friends who had each other’s backs during difficult times in their careers. The rumor persists mainly because of how the MMA gossip machine works.
Derrick Lewis: The Public Crush
Derrick Lewis made his feelings about Ronda very clear — and very public.
After knocking out Travis Browne in 2017, Lewis made jokes during his post-fight interview about needing to use the bathroom, then took shots at Browne over past domestic violence allegations before asking, “What’s her name again? How’s the fine Ronda doing?”
He continued the bit for years. In later interviews, he joked about being nervous because Ronda might be watching and even claimed he sent her flowers for her Hall of Fame induction.
Ronda has never acknowledged any of it. Lewis’s wife reportedly wasn’t thrilled about the comments either. Still, “The Black Beast” kept the joke going, turning it into part of his entertaining, no-filter persona.
Dana White: The Business Rumors
When Ronda was transitioning from Strikeforce to the UFC, she spent a significant amount of time with UFC President Dana White during contract negotiations. They traveled together on private jets and appeared at events, which sparked rumors that their relationship went beyond business.
Both Ronda and Dana have repeatedly denied any romantic involvement. Ronda has said the constant travel was purely for business and that having to deflect personal questions about it became frustrating. Dana has described their relationship as a strong friendship built on mutual respect.
Still, the rumors have never fully gone away.
A Life Lived in the Spotlight
Ronda Rousey’s personal life has always been as intense as her fighting career. Her relationships were passionate, public, and often complicated. Some ended in drama and lasting controversy. Others evolved into stability and family.
Through it all, she remained unapologetically herself — a fighter in every sense of the word. While the men in her life played different roles at different times, Ronda’s story has always been her own.
