Ronda Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is fueling speculation about a possible return to mixed martial arts. She hasn`t competed since a swift knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016.
Initially, Ronda Rousey seemed to have left fighting permanently, citing a history of concussion issues when she announced her retirement. However, the 38-year-old is now reportedly considering a comeback, having rediscovered her passion for MMA and achieved an impressive physical transformation.
Ronda Rousey Inspired by Mike Tyson`s Comeback
For a long time, Ronda Rousey distanced herself from the sport that brought her fame. A return to fighting was far from her thoughts until Mike Tyson`s sensational comeback. The 59-year-old boxing legend emerged from nearly two decades of retirement to face Jake Paul in November 2024.
Despite losing the decision, “Iron Mike” reportedly earned $20 million, marking his first professional fight since 2005. The immensely popular Paul vs. Tyson event shattered boxing viewership records and deeply inspired Rousey.
“Mike Tyson coming back and having the biggest fight last year, it just kind of proves that I don’t think anyone’s ever really done,” Rousey commented on The Breakfast Club. She added, “With Mike Tyson, you can never say never now. Holy s—! He got $20 million. Baddest man on the planet. 108 million views. Comment whatever you want, that’s the most-watched fight of all time, and he was almost 60. That’s how much his legacy means. How much his name means. That was really inspiring to me personally to see him do that.”
Dana White Comments on Ronda Rousey’s Potential Comeback
UFC CEO Dana White also weighed in on the rumors surrounding Ronda Rousey`s potential return. White confirmed recent contact with Rousey but remained evasive about her fighting future.
“Yeah, her and I are still very close, and we talk, I would say we probably talk once every three months or something like that,” White shared earlier this month. “She was in Vegas recently, and she came by the offices, but yeah, I don’t know what her plans are. I think she’s just training again. She just had two babies, and she’s in a whole other place in her life. But, I will say this, she’s just had another baby and she’s in great shape right now, she’s frigging ripped like she used to be, so I don’t know.”
