Ronda Rousey to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’
Ronda Rousey, the former UFC champ who has been laying low since getting laid low by Holly Holm, will host Saturday Night Live on January 23, the show announced Tuesday.
She’s far from the first athlete to serve as host, though Rousey is the first from the world of MMA to land the gig. In the lead-up to her November bout with Holm at UFC 193, Ronda told Rolling Stone that she planned to “disappear” following the fight – presumably to begin shooting several films, including a remake of Road House (don’t get Terry Funk started on that one) – though she probably never thought she’d be taking a forced sabbatical. Yet, following her shocking loss to Holm, Rousey’s done just that.
Aside from an interview with ESPN where she described her current mind-set as “really fucking sad” – her sister seconded that sentiment, calling the UFC 193 loss “the moment I saw someone I cared about have her soul crushed” – Rousey’s kept a low profile, and the SNL gig will serve as her return to the spotlight (maybe Stuart Smalley can give her one of his famous affirmations?) Ronda has also presumably been counting the days until July 9, when UFC president Dana White says she’ll get her Bantamweight title rematch against Holm.
Musical guest Selena Gomez will join Rousey on the January 23 episode of SNL, and their appearance comes one week after The Force Awakens star Adam Driver and breakout country act Chris Stapleton will do the whole “Live, from New York” thing.