As the world of mixed martial arts continues to adjust to the seismic shift caused by the retirement of Amanda Nunes, one name seems to have stepped out from the shadows and back into the spotlight – Ronda Rousey. However, despite a whirlwind of speculation, Rousey’s return to the UFC remains far from a certainty.
Such talk isn’t without its allure. With Nunes’ retirement, the possibility of gold in two divisions for Rousey presents quite an enticing prospect. But, according to Ariel Helwani, there’s no truth to these rumors.
For those familiar with Rousey’s recent activities, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Rousey, now 36, has since moved over to the world of professional wrestling, taking her penchant for drama and flair where it’s valued most. And, while it wouldn’t be the worst idea to see the Olympian back in the cage, don’t expect it to happen anytime soon. Rousey had already been grappling with major injuries in 2016 when he stepped out of the octagon, and Father Time doesn’t slow down for anyone.
Ronda Rousey is not considering a UFC comeback, I’m told.
No truth to the rumors started yesterday.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 13, 2023
Still, the timing of these rumors is rather intriguing. With Rousey reportedly leaving the WWE, and Nunes retiring, the stage is set for a dramatic return. Yet Holly Holm, one of the two UFC champs who delivered the killing blow to Rousey and her MMA career, offers a more sobering perspective. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Holm reveals that Rousey is content in her current pursuits and shows no signs of rekindling her passion for fighting.
It is also worth noting Rousey’s dissatisfaction with the WWE’s treatment of the women’s division. Rousey criticized the lack of competition and the company’s investment in the tag division. These issues seem to have been the breaking point for a competitor like Rousey. Dave Meltzer also reported that Rousey has a “hard out” long before the next WrestleMania.
Even if Rousey came back, there’s no guarantee she’ll retain her throne. The sport has evolved considerably and many fighters have had years to study her fighting style. However, the absence of a definitive statement from Rousey herself has only fanned the flames of speculation. As UFC 300 approaches, one can’t help but wonder if a Rousey return might just be the big-ticket item needed to bolster an otherwise lackluster year.
A possible return could pit her against former rival Miesha Tate, Julianna Peña, Raquel Pennington, or even Holly Holm in a non-title rematch. Regardless of the opponent, the return of Rousey would undeniably be a monumental spectacle.
As the world waits for Ronda Rousey to announce her next move, we must remember that rumors are just that – rumors.
So, for now, we return to the real world, away from the realm of rumor and speculation, and continue to wait for the dust to settle in the post-Nunes era.
In the end, perhaps the only certainty is that in the world of MMA, as in life, nothing is ever certain.
For now, fans can look forward to Ronda Rousey squaring up against his friend-turned-rival Shayna Baszler at SummerSlam in August.
