Currently, there’s unfounded speculation that Ronda Rousey, one of the most significant and dynamic fighters in UFC history, could return to MMA for one last fight. It’s been a debate topic in the MMA media sphere in 2023.
UFC President Dana White recently denied that Rousey is eyeing a return, with The Daily Mail reporting in August 2023 that Rousey is contemplating a comeback. However, the report cited an anonymous “confidant.”
Still, there is no denying that the timing is ideal for a comeback. The 36-year-old is reportedly set to soon end her WWE tenure, and, as of late 2023, there’s no champion in her former UFC weight class. The UFC is also preparing for its historic “UFC 300” event, a seemingly perfect platform for a return.
Ronda Rousey’s UFC Exit
The Olympic judo bronze medalist burst onto the MMA scene as an amateur in 2010, earning a 23-second armbar submission. The win was only a taste of what would come for most standing before Rousey.
There was never any secret about Rousey’s best weapon and what opponents needed to avoid. Rousey’s armbar was one of the most prolific fight-enders the sport has ever seen and played homage to Bruce Lee’s famous quote: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Rousey’s judo background helped make her the face of MMA, a barrier breaker and a historic UFC champion. Without her, the UFC wouldn’t have brought women into the promotion as early as 2013.
However, Rousey’s storyline quickly changed. Her MMA career abruptly ended in 2016 after she suffered her second career loss.
After defeat to Amanda Nunes, arguably the greatest female UFC fighter, by TKO in under one minute, Rousey decided to take her talents to professional wrestling.
Rousey signed with WWE in 2017, making a natural crossover. She became a dominant force as one of the company’s two female title-holders. However, unlike the UFC, WWE matches are scripted.
Fast forward to 2023, and reports indicate that the 36-year-old former UFC champion won’t re-sign with WWE after her current deal, potentially opening a door back into the UFC.
The timing couldn’t be any better for Rousey. Nunes retired in June 2023, leaving the bantamweight title up for grabs. The UFC is also planning a major event that needs star power.
Rousey could end her athletic career with one final MMA win to erase the taste of defeat.
Rousey Comeback at UFC 300?
Although Rousey’s star power might have faded since leaving the UFC, an MMA return would be monumental.
UFC 300 is looming for the first half of 2024, and with White showing continued interest in unusual fights like Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury and Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg, a Rousey return fight would make sense.
To date, Rousey has not said that she is mulling a return.
But there’s also a natural storyline ready and waiting for her. Despite not having won an MMA fight since August 2015 and losing two in a row by knockout, Rousey could receive an immediate title shot upon return.
Her bantamweight division is arguably thinner than ever, and the UFC needs big fights. Rousey’s comeback would be a huge spectacle, and she could retire on top with a comeback story for the ages.
Possible Rousey Return Opponent
Rousey’s UFC return opponent could be one of the following:
- Miesha Tate
- Julianna Peña
- Raquel Pennington
- Holly Holm
Tate, a former rival, seems like the best storyline for Rousey’s potential return given their history, but Peña would also make sense. Peña is the No. 1 contender for the vacant bantamweight belt.
Early in Rousey’s UFC career, she coached against Tate on season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Peña, one of Tate’s friends, kicked off her MMA run by defeating veteran Shayna Baszler, a friend of Rousey.
Peña went on to win the competition, and in 2021, she dethroned Nunes for the bantamweight strap. Now a former champion after Nunes won their August 2022 rematch, Peña is a deserving candidate for the impending vacant title fight.
Rousey versus Peña for the vacant title at 135 pounds could be a dream for the UFC. If Peña wasn’t available, Raquel Pennington is another top contender potentially deserving of a title shot.
From a meritocracy perspective, Rousey shouldn’t get an immediate title shot coming off a years-long layoff and back-to-back losses. However, that wouldn’t matter for the UFC.
Finally, a non-title fight rematch with Holm, who handed Rousey her first UFC loss, would also be a big fight. It seems unlikely Rousey would want to revisit this matchup if there wasn’t UFC gold on the line. Holm has had an up-and-down career since beating Rousey. As of October, Holm was No. 5 in the division’s rankings.
Ronda Rousey Betting Odds
During her undefeated run, Rousey was among the most dominant fighters in MMA history. Her UFC moneylines reflected that. Rousey never closed worse than -190 in her career and reached a height of -1700.
On average, Rousey was favored over her opposition at around -600 odds. Her loss to Holm is regarded as one of the biggest betting upsets in UFC history.
Judges were never needed in Rousey’s 14-fight career. She went beyond the first round on just two occasions.
At the start of her career, Rousey was quickly thrown into the mix with tough competitors at 145 pounds, winning her pro debut against Brazilian veteran Ediane Gomes. Veterans Charmaine Tweet and Sarah D’Alelio fell victim to Rousey next. Then, Rousey beat future all-time great featherweight and former Bellator champion Julia Budd.
Fight No. 5 as a pro saw Rousey debut at bantamweight when she challenged Tate in one of the biggest female fights in MMA history.
Tate was a formidable foe, becoming the first to escape a Rousey armbar. However, Tate got caught again late in the round, resulting in a gruesome visual when her arm was bent back 90 degrees.
Rousey only fought killers from there, passing with flying colors by first defeating former champion and divisional legend Sarah Kaufman in under a minute.
Rousey’s UFC debut saw her overcome a close call against Liz Carmouche. Carmouche had an elite wrestling game, helping her find Rousey’s back after a head and arm throw. Despite Carmouche nearly pulling off a standing rear-naked choke, Rousey shook her off and locked in a dangerous armbar.
A thrilling rematch between Rousey and Tate followed, with the two battling into the third round before another armbar win for Rousey.
After that, Rousey showed new skills. She scored three of her last four wins by knockout over Sara McMann, Alexis Davis and Bethe Correia. Mixed in between was the fastest submission in MMA history, a 14-second modified armbar against Cat Zingano.
Rousey’s fights were the definition of “don’t blink or you’ll miss it.”
