“I was obsessed with Ronda Rousey,” O’Neill admits, recounting how Rousey’s fearlessness and tenacity ignited her own passion for the sport. “She showed me that women could excel in MMA at the highest level and inspired me to pursue my dreams relentlessly.”

As O’Neill navigates her own career in MMA, she recognizes the significant strides that women have made in the sport, both in terms of visibility and recognition. From headlining major events to achieving parity in pay and opportunities, O’Neill acknowledges that women’s MMA has come a long way since Rousey’s groundbreaking era.

However, O’Neill is also keenly aware of the challenges that remain, particularly in combatting stereotypes and misconceptions about women in combat sports. “There’s still work to be done,” she asserts. “But every time I step into the cage, I’m proud to represent the evolution of women’s MMA and contribute to its continued growth.”

As O’Neill continues to carve her path in the world of MMA, she remains grateful for the trailblazers who paved the way before her, including Ronda Rousey. With her own aspirations set on reaching the pinnacle of the sport, O’Neill is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of women’s MMA, ensuring that the legacy of fighters like Rousey lives on in the next generation of athletes.