Ronda Rousey travels to Armenia for Genocide Remembrance Day

Rousey's trip coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Apr 24, 2015

UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey traveled to Armenia this week to commemorate Genocide Remembrance Day on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Rousey, who trains under Armenian American Edmond Tarverdyan, used the trip to urge world leaders—including U.S. President Barack Obama—to use the word "genocide" to describe the 1915 killings, in which an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed by Ottoman Turks seeking to exterminate the empire's Armenian population.

Turkey has continued to deny that a genocide took place, and due to political sensitivities, most countries don't use the word "genocide" to describe the killings. In a statement earlier this week marking the 100-year anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Obama referred to the killings as a "massacre" and "terrible carnage," but did not use the world "genocide."

“I know there was a terrible genocide in 1915 and I’m here to support the effort to get it recognized because I believe the only way for us to learn from our past is to recognize that it happened,” Rousey said after landing in Armenia on Wednesday, according to the Washington Post.

Germany became the 21st country to label the killings "genocide" earlier this week when president Joachim Gauck used the word to describe the massacre.

Rousey said her personal history with Armenians led her to support the effort to recognize the genocide in person.

“[Armenians] have been very kind to me growing up," Rousey said, according to the Washington Post. "They accepted me into their culture and I wanted to do something special to help out for the 100-year anniversary and I thought there was no better effort to show than to come and be here in person."

Rousey also posted photos on Instagram with the hashtag #1915NeverAgain.

?taken-by=rondarousey

GALLERY: CLASSIC PHOTOS OF RONDA ROUSEY

Classic Photos of Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016

Dana Edelson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Here are some candid and not so candid photos of UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, who hosted Saturday Night Live on Jan. 23. In this sketch she appears with Taran Killam as Dan.

Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016

Kenan Thompson and Ronda Rousey during the City Council sketch on the Jan. 23, 2016 episode of Saturday Night Live.

Ronda Rousey :: Jan. 23, 2016

Ronda Rousey with SNL participants (from left) Jon Rudnitsky, Bobby Moynihan, Selena Gomez, Rousey, Aidy Bryant, Vanessa Bayer and Jay Pharoah during the monologue.

Ronda Rousey :: January 2016

Singer Selena Gomez, Ronda Rousey, and Cecily Strong are caught on stage in a practice for the Jan. 23 Saturday Night Live show.

Ronda Rousey :: Nov. 14, 2015

Ronda Rousey is attended to after suffering a second-round knockout at the hands of Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Australia.

Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015

Ronda Rousey responds to questions during media day in Glendale, Calif., ahead of her showdown with Holly Holm.

Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015

Rousey hosts Media Day ahead of her Nov. 14 fight in Australia.

Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 27, 2015

Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey spars with a partner during a media training session.

Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 16, 2015

Joshua Blanchard /Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Rousey poses in front of a mural created in her honor in Venice, Calif.

Ronda Rousey :: Oct. 6, 2015

Mike Stobe/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey poses for a photo at the London NYC hotel ahead of UFC 193.

Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 17, 2015

Brendon Thorne/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey poses with a fans during a UFC 193 Sydney fan event.

Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015

Michael Dodge/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey and her November opponent, Holly Holm, take centre stage during a UFC 193 media event.

Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015

Ronda Rousey takes selfies with fans during a UFC 193 media event at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Ronda Rousey :: Sept. 16, 2015

Ronda Rousey arrives during a UFC 193 media event at Etihad Stadium.

Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 4, 2015

Buda Mendes/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey and her mother, AnnMaria De Mars (3rd from right), present a championship belt to a judo school and social project owned by Olympic bronze medalist Flavio Canto in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 2, 2015

Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey after her 34-second victory over Bethe Correia.

Ronda Rousey :: Aug. 1, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia at their weigh in.

Ronda Rousey :: July 15, 2015

Ronda Rousey accepts the Best Female Athlete award during The 2015 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: July 15, 2015

Robert Laberge/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Former boxer Mike Tyson meets Ronda Rousey during a media training session at the Glendale Fight Club.

Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015

Ronda Rousey poses during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015

Ronda Rousey trains during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: April 27, 2015

Ronda Rousey poses during a photo shoot for SI in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: March 23, 2015

Ronda Rousey talks with reporters after meeting with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state leaders urging them to join the 49 other states in legalizing mixed martial arts.

Ronda Rousey :: April 4, 2015

Ronda Rousey attends an NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Colorado Avalanche.

Ronda Rousey :: April 1, 2015

Rousey arrives at the 'Furious 7' Los Angeles Premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Hollywood.

Ronda Rousey and the Rock :: March 29, 2015

Ronda Rousey and the Rock at WrestleMania 31.

Ronda Rousey :: March 29, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara

Ronda Rousey :: March 29, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 31 in Santa Clara.

Ronda Rousey :: March 26, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Robin Roberts on the "Good Morning America" set.

Ronda Rousey :: March 24, 2015

Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty Images for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"

Ronda Rousey during her visit to "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Ronda Rousey :: March 24, 2015

Ronda Rousey shows Jimmy Fallon what an armbar is during her visit to the "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."

Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia of Brazil face off during the 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia:: March 20, 2015

Ronda Rousey and Bethe Correia of Brazil pose for the media during the 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015

Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey with fans in Brazil during the the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference

Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015

Ronda Rousey poses for the media during the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ronda Rousey :: March 20, 2015

Ronda Rousey looks on during the UFC 189 World Media Tour Launch press conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Ronda Rousey :: March 14, 2015

Ronda Rousey speaks during a South by Southwest Sports panel at the Austin Convention Center in Texas.

Ronda Rousey :: March 10, 2015

Ronda Rousey is seen with Mario Lopez of Extra at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Bret Hartman/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey speaks to members of the media at the Glendale Fighting Club ahead of her fight against Cat Zingano.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano face off during the UFC 184 Ultimate Media Day in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey warms up in the locker room before her bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Jeff Gross/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey prepares to enter the Octagon in her bantamweight championship bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey gets ready to fight Cat Zingano at UFC 184.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey enters the Octagon in her bantamweight championship bout against Cat Zingano in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey grapples with Cat Zingano during UFC 184. Rousey won after Zingano tapped out 14 seconds into the bout.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey gets into position to put an armbar on Cat Zingano during UFC 184.

Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey puts the finishing touches on Cat Zingano to remain undefeated.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey celebrates her victory over Cat Zingano.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2015

Ronda Rousey consoles Cat Zingano after their bout.

Ronda Rousey :: December 2014

Ronda Rousey attends Reebok and UFC Long-Term Partnership Announcement at Industria Studios in New York City.

Ronda Rousey :: November 2014

Ronda Rousey is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: November 2014

Ronda Rousey is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: November 2014

Elliott Howard/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey arrives at the UFC Time Is Now press conference in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2014

Ronda Rousey sighting in West Hollywood, Calif.

Ronda Rousey :: September 2014

Ronda Rousey attends FOX Sports 1's "The Ultimate Fighter" Season Premiere Party in Hollywood.

Ronda Rousey :: August 2014

Ronda Rousey arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Expendables 3" in Hollywood.

Ronda Rousey :: July 2014

Ronda Rousey smiles at a weigh-in for the UFC 175 event at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey and Alexis Davis: July 2014

Ronda Rousey faces off with Alexis Davis during the UFC 175 weigh-in inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: July 2014

Ronda Rousey takes down Alexis Davis during their women's mixed martial arts bantamweight title bout at UFC 175 in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: May 2014

Kelsey Grammer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronda Rousey and Sylvester Stallone pose during a photocall for "The Expendables 3" at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France.

Ronda Rousey :: May 2014

Arnold Schwarzenegger kisses Ronda Rousey during a photocall for the film "The Expendables 3" at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

Ronda Rousey :: May 2014

David M. Benett/Getty Images for Millennium Films

Ronda Rousey attends a photocall for "The Expendables 3" at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France.

Ronda Rousey and Kellan Lutz :: May 2014

Actor Kellan Lutz and Ronda Rousey arrive for the screening of The Homesman at the 67th international film festival.

Ronda Rousey :: May 2014

Ronda Rousey attends "The Homesman" Premiere at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival inFrance.

Ronda Rousey :: May 2014

Ronda Rousey hosts #TheLinkParty at the IceLink Boutique West Hollywood benefiting The Special Needs Network.

Ronda Rousey :: April 2014

Ronda Rousey is seen filming a scene for the "Entourage" movie in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles

Ronda Rousey :: February 2014

Ronda Rousey knees Sara McMann in their bantamweight championship bout during UFC 170 in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: February 2014

Ronda Rousey at an open training session for fans and media in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey and Jimmy Kimmel:: December 2013

Ronda Rousey made an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in early December 2013.

Ronda Rousey :: December 2013

Ronda Rousey poses for a portrait during a UFC photo session in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate :: December 2013

Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey attempts to submit Miesha Tate in their UFC women's bantamweight championship bout during UFC 168 in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey and Josh Thomson :: July 2013

Al Powers/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Rousey and UFC lightweight Josh Thomson pose for a photo during the UFC Fan Party in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: July 2013

Clint Jenkins/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Ronda Rousey signs an autograph during the UFC Fan Expo Las Vegas 2013 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas,.

Ronda Rousey :: March 2013

Ronda Rousey attends the Fox Sports Media Group Upfront after party at Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche :: February 2013

Ronda Rousey eventually got Liz Carmouche off her back and improved her record to 7-0 with the victory.

Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche :: February 2013

Ronda Rousey found herself in trouble early against Liz Carmouche, but withstood the challenge to win in the first round.

Ronda Rousey :: December 2012

Ronda Rousey shows off her UFC bantamweight championship belt during a news conference in Seattle, Wash. UFC president Dana White handed out the belt, saying the former Strikeforce title-holder will make her UFC debut on Feb. 23 against Liz Carmouche.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during training session with coach Edmond Tarverdyan at Glendale Fighting Club.

Ronda Rousey and Dana White: September 2012

Rousey poses with Dana White at the Sons of Anarchy season 5 premiere screening in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey and Sarah Kaufman :: August 2012

Ronda Rousey secures an arm bar submission against Sarah Kaufman during their Strikeforce bout.

Ronda Rousey :: August 2012

Ronda Rousey reacts after defeating Sarah Kaufman by submission during the Strikeforce event in San Diego on Aug. 18.

Ronda Rousey :: July 2012

Ronda Rousey attends ESPN Magazine's 4th Annual Body Issue celebration at Belasco Theatre on July 10, 2012 in Los Angeles.

Ronda Rousey :: March 2012

:: David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images

Ronda Rousey during the weigh-in for her bout against Meisha Tate.

Ronda Rousey :: March 2012

Ronda Rousey walks to the cage before her bantamweight bout against Tate in March. Rousey won via an armbar submission.

Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate :: March 2012

Ronda Rousey reacts after submitting Meisha Tate during their bantamweight bout in Columbus, Ohio.

Ronda Rousey :: March 2012

Rousey takes questions from the media after her victory over Meisha Tate.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey catches her breath after a workout.

Ronda Rousey :: October 2012

Ronda Rousey during a photo shoot for SI at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Ronda Rousey :: November 2011

Ronda Rousey attends the UFC On FOX: Live Heavyweight Championship in Anaheim, Calif.

Ronda Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio :: August 2011

Kari Hubert/Forza LLC/Forza LLC via Getty Images

Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio pose at the weigh-in before their Strikeforce match in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey :: August 2011

Ronda Rousey during the Strikeforce Challengers 4 at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Ronda Rousey and Sarah D'Alelio :: August 2011

Sarah D'Alelio and Ronda Rousey during the Strikeforce Challengers 4 at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Rousey would win the bout via tapout in the first round.

Ronda Rousey :: April 2008

Michael O'Neill/Sports Illustrated/Contour by Getty Images

Ronda Rousey (far left) in a Summer Olympics preview portrait with Rau'shee Warren (boxing), Demetrius Andrade (boxing), Marci Van Dusen (freestyle wrestling), and Sarah Hammer (cycling).

Ronda Rousey and Valerie Gotay: April 2008

Ronda Rousey throws Valerie Gotay over her shoulder as she poses for a portrait during the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Media Summitt in Chicago.

Ronda Rousey and Annett Boehm: August 2008

Rousey and Germany's Annett Boehm compete in the 70 kg judo bronze-medal match at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Rousey would win the match and the bronze.

Ronda Rousey :: August 2008

Rousey stands on the podium after winning bronze at the 2008 Olympics.

Ronda Rousey: 2007

A happy Ronda Rousey after she won the 70Kg Judo final in the 2007 XV Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Ronda Rousey :: April 2006

Ronda Rousey with her gold medal at the Fighting Films Birmingham Women's World Cup at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England.

Ronda Rousey :: August 2004

Claudia Heill from Austria fights Ronda Rousey during the Judo half-middle weight (-63kg) event at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

Ronda Rousey :: June 2004

Ronda Rousey and Anastasia Krivosta compete in their 63 kg. match during the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Judo at the San Jose State University Event Center in California. Rousey won the match to move on in the competition.

- Stanley Kay