UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey seems content in retirement but continues to fuel speculation over a possible comeback.
Ronda Rousey abruptly left MMA following back-to-back title losses to Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm. Before her back-to-back setbacks, Rousey was one of the biggest sports stars in the world and remains a pioneer for women’s MMA.
Rousey has explained her abrupt leave from combat sports in recent months, citing neurological trauma and a complicated relationship with the UFC fanbase and media. She’s been accused by a former analyst, Jimmy Smith, of mistreating media members and production employees behind the scenes.
But despite her reluctance to return to fighting, Rousey is acting as if a return to the cage isn’t firmly off the table.
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Ronda Rousey shares roll footage with former UFC rival
In a recent Instagram post, Rousey showed additional footage of her collab with Cat Zingano and isn’t slowing down from training anytime soon.
“Some wall flow with [Cat Zingano] – thank you for helping to get me moving again,” Rousey posted.
“I’ve never felt more stiff, fragile or slow but god I missed it.”
Rousey created fan excitement when she showcased a return to training to rebuild her postpartum body. To the surprise of many, Zingano, her former championship rival, has played a major role in her return to the gym in recent months.
After departing from the UFC, Rousey enjoyed a brief stint in professional wrestling with WWE before parting ways with the promotion. While she hasn’t ruled out a return to wrestling down the line, it likely won’t come in WWE after she shared a strained relationship with the brass.
Ronda Rousey ‘not neurologically fit’ for MMA comeback
Rousey explained how a significant history of concussions abruptly ended any chances of an MMA comeback. But despite her stance, she hasn’t dwelled on speculation in recent training footage.
Rousey entered the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 after a legendary career in the cage. She won her first 12 professional fights, including her history-making win over Liz Carmouche in the first-ever all-female UFC main event at UFC 157.
Rousey was briefly linked to rumors of a possible comeback in 2023, but a fight never came to fruition. Gina Carano was at the top of the list of potential opponents for her return.
As of this writing, Rousey remains content with her decision to walk away from fighting and enjoy the next chapter of her life. But if the UFC comes calling, Rousey might keep the door open to a return to the Octagon.