The NYT crossword just hit you with “Rousey in the U.F.C. Hall of Fame”. You can almost hear the typewriter clicking, daring you to think fast. Let’s unpack it, because this one’s a bit of a flex if you nail it.
The Clue Breakdown
Ronda Rousey made MMA history—and the crossword clue is shorthand for the feminine pioneer inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. But what’s the five-letter answer the puzzle expects?
Common Guesses That Don’t Fit
- RONDA – Wait… that’s right. It fits in crossword length, but ninja-style misdirection can trick you into overthinking.
- ROWDY – Her nickname, but not what the puzzle’s going for.
- Judo? – Cool backstory, wrong direction entirely.
✅ The Correct Answer: RONDA
It’s RONDA—five letters, iconic, and exactly the crossword-worthy name you need.
Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2018, becoming the first woman ever to earn that honor—and joining the Modern Wing with legends like Forrest Griffin and B.J. Penn.
Why “RONDA” Works Here
- Perfect fit: Five letters, straightforward, clean.
- Crossword hitters love real proper names—especially if they were trend-definers in pop culture and sports.
- It hits hard and fast—like her career.
Why Rousey’s Induction Was Historic
- She was the first-ever UFC women’s bantamweight champion, dominating six title defenses and shaping the women’s division in the UFC.
- Her induction shattered ceilings: prior to her, UFC President Dana White had famously said women would “never” fight in the UFC. Rousey changed his mind and the sport forever.
- Fighters like Kayla Harrison credit Rousey for opening doors, even if her career ended in tough losses. Her legacy is undeniable.
💡 NYT Crossword Strategy Tip
When a clue references a person in a specific hall of fame, think first name only—especially if it’s five letters. Uppercut confusion and go with RONDA.
Other Words:
