Ronda Rousey UFC return rumors are heating up
Amanda Nunes’ retirement has sparked chaos in women’s MMA. The undisputed best female fighter of all time vacated the women’s bantamweight and featherweight titles, leaving the UFC searching for contenders to compete for the belts. The need for star power in each weight class has led to rumors regarding a potential Ronda Rousey UFC return.
At UFC Vegas 77 media day, the Rousey return gained some credence as featherweight Chelsea Chandler stated that she heard Rousey is coming back to the UFC.
“I’ve been hearing Ronda is coming back,” Chandler said. “I’ve heard she’s coming back at 145. You never know. … If I got out there and put on the performance I plan on putting (on), I’ll welcome her to 145. I think it would be a great fight. It has been a long time for her and things change, people get better, and I think people are on to her one-trick-pony armbar. Money talks, and she would bring eyes to the sport again. I feel like her time in WWE is starting to go down, so I’d like to see it.”
Quote via MMAJunkie
Rousey’s MMA career unceremoniously ended after being knockout in consecutive fights. She has now been out of the UFC octagon since 2016. Nonetheless, her name still has value and she is one of the most influential fighters of all time.
At the UFC 289 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White stated the women’s featherweight division will probably close after Nunes’ retirement. That said, the division is still alive at the moment. Rousey is likely one of the few fighters that could convince the UFC to keep the division open.
In 2018, Rousey joined the WWE and began competing in professional wrestling; however, she has reportedly given the promotion a hard out date. That would help Rousey work her way back into the octagon. Furthermore, Endeavor’s purchase of the WWE eases the contractual transition as well.
Rousey, 36, has teased a UFC return in the past. Most recently, she stated she would only return to MMA to fight Gina Carano. While the Carano aspect of the equation has not been discussed, it is beneficial that she has discussed competing again.
A Rousey UFC return has a lot of issues and red flags, but it is possible. At the end of the day, in the fight business; if it makes dollars, it makes sense. Rousey will certainly make more money than any other fighter in the women’s bantamweight and featherweight divisions, so there is still a chance she can return to the UFC.
***
CLICK HERE for more of our UFC/MMA content
Check out the Vendetta Shop
Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube
