From KO to Comeback: Top 10 Examples to Inspire Ronda Rousey

Like Rousey, Muhammad Ali was an undefeated phenomenon when he faced Joe Frazier. But Ali lost, before bouncing back to regain his title against seemingly unstoppable George Foreman, as well as getting revenge on Frazier, beating him twice.

1975 Formula One world champion Lauda suffered more than a heavy defeat in 1976 - he was almost burned to death in a horror crash that also cost him the title. Courageously, he recovered enough to become champion again in 1977 and 1984.

After winning the World Series in 1985, Kansas City began an astonishing 28-year postseason drought. Finally back in the playoffs in 2014, the Royals made it the whole way to Game 7 of the World Series, only to lose by one run. Defeated not disheartened, in 2015 they rebounded to finally win it all again.

A top-10 player at the age of 14 and Olympic champion at 16, Capriati then dramatically went off the rails with drugs, arrests, and a loss of form. Written off by almost everyone, she slowly climbed back, winning her first Grand Slam as a 24-year old, and cementing herself in the Top 10 after an eight year absence.

In 2007, the New Zealand rugby team looked to cement their reputation as the best side on the planet, but suffered a devastating upset to France in the World Cup quarterfinal. They had to wait four years for another chance, but got revenge on France in the 2011 final, before becoming 3-time champs in 2015.

Rousey can find inspiration within her own sport too. Hall of Famer Randy Couture retired after losing his title and suffering two knockout losses to Chuck Liddell, but later returned to win the UFC Heavyweight championship for a record third time.

Italian soccer star Rossi suffered a major setback when he was banned for two years, having been caught up in a betting scandal that rocked football. He returned for the 1982 World Cup, leading 14-1 underdogs Italy to the title with six goals.

In 1995 the flamboyant Agassi was the #1 tennis player in the world. By the end of 1997 he was ranked 141st. But he bounced back to the top again in 1999, making four straight Grand Slam finals, winning three, earning the rare career Grand Slam.

After winning the 1958 and 1962 FIFA World Cups, Pele and the Brazilians were humiliated by Portugal and knocked out in the first round in 1966, the first champion to ever fall so early. Four years later, an aging Pele led Brazil to its record third triumph.

The Dolphins scored a Super Bowl record low 3 points while being humiliated by the Dallas Cowboys following the 1971 season. How did they respond? Only by becoming the first and only undefeated champion team during the 1972 season.