Brendan Schaub is now known more for his career as a comedian than his time as a mixed martial artist. The former UFC heavyweight was on the promotion’s roster from 2009-2014, fighting veterans like Gabriel Gonzaga and Minotauro Nogueira during that time. However, something that new fans may have completely missed is the fact that “Big Brown” used to date, Ronda Rousey.
Yes, the former UFC women’s bantamweight sensation dated Brendan Schaub in 2014. However, judging by Schaub’s comments that he made after their relationship ended, it wasn’t the best time for either fighter. On Joe Rogan’s Fight Companion show in 2015, while the other guests praised Ronda for her success, Brendan laid into Rousey and her camp.
@RenerGracie wedding with these two @RondaRousey & @lyotomachidafw #nocake #graciestyle @ufc pic.twitter.com/5TIt26GkMp
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) April 14, 2014
He said, “She’s so successful that she’s surrounded by people who worship her and go ‘yes, yes that’s a good idea,’ but when I went ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ now I’m a hater.” These comments made by Schaub really didn’t paint Rousey or her training camp in the best light.
And Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, didn’t take too kindly to Schaub’s comments. Browne lambasted Schaub, saying, “A lot of people don’t rub me the wrong way, but opinions are like a**h**es, you need to keep them to yourself. That’s exactly what he needs to do.” It was Browne who had the last laugh regarding this after he knocked out Brendan at UFC 181, a victory that seemed very special to “Hapa”.
Why Did Brendan Schaub break up with Ronda Rousey?
Ronda Rousey and Brendan Schaub’s relationship was quite brief. The pair began dating sometime in 2014 but abruptly ended their relationship that same year. However, Schaub’s comments indicate that the little time they spent together was not ideal for either of them.
Brendan Schaub also revealed why he broke up with Ronda Rousey right after the Holly Holm fight. Although the fight itself and Rousey getting viciously KO’d had no bearing on the breakup, the timing was still a little problematic. He said his reasons for breaking up with Rousey were mostly related to her wanting a different dynamic than Schaub.
Schaub said, “I did her a favour. I’m not the man for the job. I’m too much. She needs a guy who’s gonna take a backseat and that’s not me. She also needs a man who’s going to say ‘yes ma’am, yes ma’am’. “
Since their brief relationship, both Schaub and Ronda have moved on. As mentioned prior, Ronda Rousey and Travis Browne are now married. They also have 2 children together, Keawe and Kaleo Browne. Whereas, “Big Brown” found love right after his breakup with Rousey. Schaub has been dating entrepreneur, Joanna Zanella since 2014.
