Is the return of “Rowdy” incoming?
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion and crossover superstar Ronda Rousey is back in the gym — and fans have noticed. The former Olympian
has been sharing training footage on social media over the past few weeks (watch it here), sparking heavy speculation that a long-awaited MMA comeback could finally be in motion.
Since her abrupt retirement in 2017, Rousey has shown zero interest in returning to mixed martial arts (MMA), focusing instead on motherhood, acting, and her then-professional wrestling career. But according to Ariel Helwani, this might not just be casual training.
“I don’t know if it’s the White House card, but I really think something is happening here,” Helwani said last week. “She seemed so disgusted with MMA, the MMA community, and the fans. To now see this and to see her kind of flirting with the idea is something that I never expected, but I do think something’s there.”
Even UFC CEO Dana White seems to be softening his stance after vehemently denying rumors of a Rousey comeback.
“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 told reporters during the UFC 320 post-fight press conference. “She was in Vegas recently, and she came by the offices, but I don’t know what her plans are. I think she’s just training again.
When asked if he’d be willing to throw her on the huge upcoming UFC White House, he was unsure.
“No, I haven’t- She just had three babies, and she’s in a whole other place in her life,” White said. “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.”
If there was ever a perfect time for Rousey to return, it’s now. With the UFC White House event looming, a new UFC TV rights deal, and the Bantamweight division in desperate need of a spark, a comeback fight — perhaps a trilogy with Miesha Tate — would be a massive draw.
For now, fans can only wonder if “Rowdy” is truly ready to ride again.
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