Ronda Rousey UFC Return: What Are the Chances of a Comeback?

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the possibility of Ronda Rousey—one of the most groundbreaking fighters in UFC history—making a comeback to the octagon. While UFC President Dana White has denied these rumors, a recent report hinted that Rousey could be contemplating one last fight before hanging up her gloves for good. But is there any truth to these speculations, or is it just wishful thinking?

The timing seems almost too perfect for a comeback. Rousey, who’s now 36, is rumored to be wrapping up her WWE career soon. Meanwhile, her old UFC division, the bantamweight class, currently lacks a champion. Add to that the buzz around the upcoming “UFC 300”—a milestone event that could use a dose of star power—and it’s easy to see why people are excited about a potential Rousey return.

The Rise and Fall of Ronda Rousey in the UFC

Ronda Rousey didn’t just enter the MMA scene—she exploded onto it. A former Olympic judo bronze medalist, Rousey made her amateur MMA debut in 2010, winning with a 23-second armbar submission. This move, the armbar, became her signature. It was like watching an artist paint the same masterpiece over and over—and every opponent knew it was coming, yet few could stop it.

Rousey’s success and judo background made her a trailblazer in the sport, pushing the UFC to include women’s divisions starting in 2013. But her career took a sudden turn in 2016 when she lost her second consecutive fight, this time to Amanda Nunes, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. After that loss, Rousey left MMA behind to join WWE, where she became one of the company’s top stars—though those matches, unlike in the UFC, were scripted.

Fast forward to 2023: reports suggest Rousey might not renew her WWE contract, and the timing couldn’t be better for a UFC comeback. The bantamweight title is vacant, and the UFC is gearing up for a big event that could use a headline name. Could Ronda Rousey finish her athletic career with one final MMA win, erasing the sting of her previous defeats?

Why UFC 300 Could Be the Perfect Stage

UFC 300 is set for the first half of 2024, and if there’s anything we know about Dana White, it’s that he loves big spectacles. With recent talk of potential matchups like Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury or even Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg, a Rousey return doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Even though Rousey hasn’t officially hinted at a comeback, the stars seem to be aligning. Her bantamweight division is currently not as stacked as it once was, and the UFC is in need of big, exciting fights. A Rousey return would be nothing short of monumental, especially if she were given an immediate shot at the vacant title—despite not having won a fight since 2015.

Who Would Ronda Rousey Fight?

If Rousey does return, who would her opponent be? Several names stand out:

• Miesha Tate: Rousey’s old rival would make for a compelling storyline. The two fought twice before, with Rousey winning both times, but the rivalry was fierce.
• Julianna Peña: Peña is the top contender for the bantamweight title and has her own history with Rousey, having been coached by Tate during their time on "The Ultimate Fighter."
• Raquel Pennington: Another top contender who could make for a challenging match.
• Holly Holm: Holm handed Rousey her first career loss, and a rematch would certainly draw attention. However, it’s uncertain whether Rousey would want to revisit that matchup without a title on the line.

From a purely merit-based standpoint, Rousey probably wouldn’t deserve an immediate title shot after being away for so long and losing her last two fights. But UFC isn’t just about rankings—it’s about entertainment, and a Rousey comeback would be must-see TV.

Ronda Rousey’s Legacy and the Odds

During her undefeated streak, Ronda Rousey was one of the most dominant fighters MMA has ever seen. Her average betting odds had her as a huge favorite, and she rarely needed more than one round to finish a fight. In fact, judges were never called upon in Rousey’s 14-fight career, which shows just how quickly and decisively she could end a bout.

Her armbar was her signature move, but towards the end of her UFC career, she began to show other skills, including knockouts against fighters like Bethe Correia. Every Rousey fight was a spectacle—blink, and you might miss it.

If she were to return, it wouldn’t just be about another fight. It would be about rewriting the ending to her story, giving fans one last moment to cheer for the woman who broke barriers and became a pioneer in women’s MMA.