Rousey's sister: 'She has never been invincible'

Even when it comes to one of the world's most successful athletes, big sister knows best.

Journalist Maria Burns Ortiz, the older sibling of Ronda Rousey, wrote in a feature for VICE Sports that Rousey is much the same person she was before the fights, fans, and fame.

Rousey's loss to Holly Holm in November came as a shock to many, but for Burns Ortiz, it was easier to accept.

All I know is that she has never been invincible. Not to me. You think of your parents as invincible. But you forever think of your younger sibling as the scrawny little kid who you roll up your sleeves to protect and fight whoever is picking on them - even if, years later, your sibling has several inches on you (not to mention a fair amount more muscle) and is more than capable of beating up anyone on her own.

Outside of an interview with ESPN that shed little light on her future plans (and the occasional spotting by the paparazzi), Rousey has kept herself out of the headlines.

This isn't the first time a family member has commented on Rousey. Mother AnnMaria De Mars has been vocal about her daughter's career from the beginning, particularly in the lead-up to the Holm fight.

The mixture of Rousey's showy public persona and her explosive performances in the cage have made for an addicting cocktail of mainstream interest, something Burns Ortiz understands takes priority over the Rousey known only to her closest friends and family.

Of course, no one wants to hear that. They want to see the drama. They want to understand what it's like inside the spin cycle, in the constant churn that was the Year of Ronda - a year that saw her ascend to nearly god-like status as she won two fights, starred in movies, signed endorsements, graced magazine covers, inspired murals, published a best-seller, and be almost inescapable, crossing over in ways that perhaps no athlete ever has.

It was a year that saw her eventually lose in the ring - not for the first time in her life, but on a bigger stage than ever before, in front of scores of people who wanted to see her fail. But also, I remind her often, in front of millions of people who wanted to see her succeed.