Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has been seen back in training recently, raising speculation about a potential return to mixed martial arts. Since retiring in 2017, Rousey focused on motherhood, acting, and pro wrestling, with no interest in competing.
Journalist Ariel Helwani noted the surprising change:
“I don’t know if it’s the White House card, but I really think something is happening here. 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.”
Dana White Comments on Rousey
UFC president Dana White also commented on Rousey’s status, highlighting her commitment to fitness while leaving the timing of a return open:
“Her and I are still very close and we talk. I would say we probably talk once every three months or something like that. 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. She just had three babies and she’s in a whole other place in her life. But I will say this: she’s in great shape right now. She’s frigging ripped like she used to be. So I don’t know.”
Dana White is asked about Ronda Rousey. pic.twitter.com/huvEiMOyZm
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 5, 2025
While Rousey has not competed since her 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016, the UFC White House event next summer has fueled speculation about a potential return. However, neither White nor Rousey have confirmed if she will actually step back into the octagon for that event or any standard UFC card.
A comeback in 2026 would make sense with the UFC’s new $7.7 billion TV deal and the need for high-profile fighters in the women’s bantamweight division. Fans have speculated about possible matchups, including a one-off trilogy fight with Miesha Tate, but no official announcements have been made.
