Ronda Rousey UFC news 2017: Mayweather tells Rousey to hold her head up

The relationship between Ronda Rousey and Floyd Mayweather Jr. has always been a little strange. When Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White made the bold claim that Rousey could beat Mayweather in a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout, the boxer responded by saying he doesn't even know who Rousey was. Since then, Rousey has been saying that she could beat Mayweather in a fight, but he always found a way to hit a nerve whenever he fires back at her.

When Rousey lost to UFC women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, fight fans were waiting for Mayweather to say something hurtful and bash her. After all, a handful of fighters has already decided to kick her while she's down. But in an interview with Fight Hype (transcribed by the Daily Mail), Mayweather surprised the fight world by telling Rousey to hold her head up.

"Ronda Rousey, hold your head up. You're still a true champion in our eyes. You made women's MMA huge, so stay focused, go back to the drawing board and do what you've got to do. 2017 is a whole new year ... you undefeated this year. Come back, champ," he stated.

Mayweather also said that she might have lost because she was rusty after taking a lot of time off. "She maybe should have competed against another female MMA fighter that wasn't as active as the female that she faced (Nunes). I think the female she faced was a rugged and tough competitor. She was the better woman that night," he said.

Those are kind words from someone who has a nasty reputation. Avid Mayweather supporter Justin Bieber didn't even hold back after Rousey lost the fight. There's definitely bad blood between them after all the verbal sparring they had over the years, but it looks like Mayweather doesn't want to see a fellow athlete hit rock bottom.