(This story appears in today’s edition of USA TODAY .) It’s been more than 10 months since UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey graced the octagon. Even though it marks the longest layoff of her MMA career, the break from fighting really wasn’t much of a break at all. Before the start of her UFC 168 training camp, Rousey coached “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” then went overseas to films parts in “The Expendables 3” and “Fast & Furious 7.” The chance to test her acting skills created a needed removal from the spotlight for “Rowdy,” who says it allowed her time away from the responsibilities that come with being the face of women’s MMA and a UFC champion. “I feel like I definitely needed to change my environment in order to change my mind-set,” Rousey tells USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie.
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UFC champ Ronda Rousey: Acting gigs helped me focus on UFC 168 – MMA Junkie