Ronda Rousey’s name in the same sentence as a comeback? That alone is enough to spark debate. But here's where it gets controversial: can a trailblazer who last fought in 2016 realistically compete in today’s bantamweight division? Let’s dive in. Rousey, now 38, recently shared training clips with the cryptic caption “finding my love for MMA again,” reigniting speculation about her return. While her last UFC bout was six years ago, she never fully closed the door on a comeback—especially after transitioning to WWE and Hollywood. But would she even want to? Henry Cejudo, a former champion himself, thinks it’s possible. “She’s beaten Kayla Harrison in judo,” he noted on Pound 4 Pound, “and at just three years older, her fire hasn’t died.” Yet, Cejudo isn’t blind to the challenges. Rousey’s financial success—$10 million+ from UFC, WWE, and acting—makes a return less lucrative. Still, he warns: “You still can’t count her out.”
Kamaru Usman, initially skeptical, warmed to the idea when considering Rousey’s potential role in the upcoming Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison rivalry. “If Harrison beats Nunes, who’s next? Ronda?” he mused, hinting at a symbolic showdown to crown the “GOAT.” Both fighters even speculated about Rousey joining the UFC White House card in June 2026—a historic event already linked to Conor McGregor and Jon Jones. But Rousey herself shut that down, joking, “I ain’t fighting on the f*cking White House.”
And this is the part most people miss: Rousey’s legacy isn’t just about wins or losses. It’s about reshaping the sport. Her return, if it happens, could redefine the bantamweight division’s narrative. But will it? Cejudo’s cautious optimism clashes with reality: the current crop of fighters like Harrison and Nunes is relentless. Usman, however, sees a silver lining. “Even if she doesn’t win, her presence would elevate the sport,” he argued. What do you think? Is Rousey’s comeback a fantasy or a calculated move? Share your take in the comments!
TOP STORIES
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VIDEO STEW
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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Tecia Pennington vs. Denise Gomes (UFC 111, Nov. 8): A clash of gritty veterans.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
While I’m cautiously optimistic the UFC White House card will deliver, I doubt it’ll feature Rousey, McGregor, or Jones. After all, legacies are made by those who choose to return. So, who do you think deserves a second act? Let us know!
EXIT POLL
Got a story you’d kill to see in the Morning Report? Hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter. Follow MMAFighting on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more. See you in the comments!
