Ronda Rousey: What Her Title Means to the UFC and WMMA

WMMA has never been as popular as it is right now. The majority of the credit for WMMA's popularity boom should obviously go to new UFC signee "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.

Rousey is the reason that women are in the UFC. That is a fact that can't be ignored. She has a mixture of charisma and skill that has given her star power. She has looked absolutely unstoppable, and with every win, her stardom reaches new heights.

Rousey will be defending her title against challenger Liz Carmouche in the main event of UFC 157. Of course there are many questions surrounding this fight, Rousey and her title. What if Carmouche wins? Will women in the UFC be done if Rousey were to lose the fight?

There are a lot of questions and not many answers at this time. Rousey and her title are at this time very important to the future of women in the UFC and to WMMA as a whole.

Rousey has become the face of women's MMA. How far will WMMA go? Seemingly as far as Rousey can take it. She needs to win and do it impressively.

People are already looking for ammunition as to why women should not be in the UFC. Rousey defending her title and garnering more and more attention is all but essential to keep WMMA growing and popular.

Rousey needs to put on a good fight, defend her belt and continue to draw attention and fans. WMMA has a long way to go, but with Rousey leading the charge, it has the best chance at recognition and growth since the days of Gina Carano.

Rousey's title is of incredible importance. She needs to prove women belong in the UFC by defending her title, and doing that will bring more attention to WMMA.

These next few months are critical. The fate of women fighting in the UFC, and the popularity of WMMA as a whole, is at stake. It could crash, or Rousey could propel both to new heights. Whatever happens, MMA fans the world over will be waiting and watching.

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