Ronda Rousey Making UFC Headlines Again: Comeback or Clickbait?
The Latest Developments Surrounding Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey, the legendary former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, is once again making headlines—and this time it’s sparking widespread curiosity in the MMA world. Although retired since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 (December 30, 2016), fresh training footage released by Rousey has fans buzzing that “The Queen is back!”. Streaming on Instagram, the clip shows her rolling on mats and demonstrating classic judo drills, triggering speculation of a possible comeback.
Interestingly, these rumors arrive just months after she welcomed her second daughter in January 2025. Despite past insistence she would never return—citing neurological concerns and concussion accumulation—fans wonder if her mindset is evolving.
UFC President Dana White has previously declared there’s “no shot” of her returning, emphasizing she’s achieved everything she set out to do and is now focusing on family and sponsorships.
Why the Rumours Are Heating Up
Factors That Fuel Comeback Speculation
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Training video release | Rousey posted active judo training footage on Instagram, igniting fan excitement |
| Recent family developments | Welcomed second child in January 2025—return talk follows pregnancy downtime |
| High‑profile potential events | Proposed UFC White House event in 2026 lacks confirmed headliners, fuelling speculation |
| Past statements vs. current actions | Despite earlier refusing return due to health, her recent activity raises questions |
What This Means for UFC and Fans
Possible Scenarios
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Official UFC return: Rousey may headline a credible event like UFC 300 or even the rumored White House card in 2026.
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Training and outreach only: She might simply be staying sharp and inspiring fans without committing to a fight.
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No return—just nostalgia: The resurgence in visibility could be part of promoting her public life and legacy, not plans for combat.
The Broader Context: Rousey’s Legacy and UFC Landscape
A quick look back: Rousey burst into UFC history in February 2013 as its inaugural women's bantamweight champion. She defended the title an extraordinary six times—all by stoppage—before suffering knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in late 2015 and 2016, respectively. She officially retired afterward, and in 2018 became the first female inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Since then, she has made significant transitions—moving into WWE in 2018, headlining WrestleMania 34, winning multiple WWE championships, and then exiting WWE in October 2023 to perform independently.
In early 2025, UFC parted ways with Holly Holm, Rousey’s hallmark opponent, signaling internal roster shifts that could open doors for fresh talk about legacy matchups or even surprises that involve Rousey in promotional roles.
What Fans Are Saying
On Reddit and forums, fans have shared mixed emotions. Some remain nostalgic and optimistic, while others are skeptical. Quotes from fan discussions include:
“Ronda was never good at stand up… too much ego, too little technique”
“They show her on the big screen, mixed booing and cheers… she is a legend”
There’s a palpable tension: admiration for her trailblazing legacy, tempered by criticism over recent controversies and her public comments.
Conclusion
In summary, today’s Rousey UFC news hinges on a potent mix of nostalgia, possibility, and uncertainty. While training videos and fan reactions rev up the chatter, official voices like Dana White remain firm in denying her return. Whether she'll ever step into the Octagon again remains the ultimate question—but today, that question is more alive than ever.
