Ronda Rousey is still very much a celebrated star in the UFC, despite the lone blemish on her record as a result of her upset loss to Holly Holm last year. While much is known about Rousey’s fighting career, it wasn’t widely known that she is a descendant of one of the first Black physicians in North America.
In speaking with TMZ, Rousey’s mother, Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, confirmed her family’s heritage after joking around with the outlet’s Black cameraman. De Mars, she herself a former world class martial artist, dropped the bombshell as she was walking with her daughter who graciously spoke before trying to shuttle off.
From TMZ:
Ronda was hanging with her mom and sister out in L.A. on Tuesday when her mom busted out the black fun fact … not only is Ronda’s great grandfather black … but he’s kinda famous!
Turns out, his name is Dr. Alfred Waddell — and according to Ronda’s mom he was “one of the first black physicians in North America.”
To be fair, it isn’t as if Rousey hid that part of her life. Back in 2012, Sports Illustrated noted Rousey’s relationship to her pioneering great-grandad.
Dr. Waddell, who hailed from Venezuela, came to the United States and attended Columbia University. Because he was a Black Latino, American medical schools wouldn’t admit him so he and his wife headed to Canada where he became a notable figure.
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Photo: WENN
