Roddy Piper approved of Ronda Rousey using his nickname. (USATSI)
Roddy Piper approved of Ronda Rousey using his nickname. (USATSI)

Just over 24 hours before stepping in the octagon at UFC 190, Ronda Rousey has dedicated her much-anticipated match against Bethe Correia to the man who gave his blessing for her to use the nickname "Rowdy."

"Thank you for the name... And so much more.... Will do it justice and do you proud tomorrow.... This one's for you Roddy..." Rousey posted on Instagram late Friday night, referring to legendary wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who passed away Thursday evening at the age of 61.

Rousey was given the nickname “Rowdy” by her friends, but as a long-time fan of professional wrestling, decided not to use it out of respect for Piper. However, when her coach Gene Lebell called Piper (who Lebell previously trained) and asked permission for his pupil to use the nickname, Piper obliged.

Below is Piper’s version of that story, as told to Sarah Kurchak of Vice.com back in Jan. 2014.

“Ronda and Gene called me. She was so, so excited and so beautiful, saying, 'Would you mind? I’ll make you proud and I’m giving it everything you got.' And I said, 'You go, gal. You go!'

"Somebody asked me, 'What would you think if ‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey would become the face of the UFC?' I said, 'I think it would be great.' I think it would be a really great thing."

There is no doubt that Rousey (11-0), the most dominant woman in UFC history, is doing the "Rowdy" nickname proud. She will look to remain undefeated Saturday night when she faces Correia (9-0) at UFC 190 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.