Several current UFC fighters have speculated on budding rumors regarding a possible return to the Octagon for former bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey.
Current bantamweight contender Chelsea Chandler told MMA Junkie earlier this week, “Iâve been hearing Ronda is coming back. Iâve heard sheâs coming back at 145. You never know. […] If I get out there and put on the performance I plan on putting [on], Iâll 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 Iâd like to see it.â
According to MMA Junkie, however, Chandler did not provide any sources for where she’s “heard Ronda is coming back.”
On the other hand, Holly Holm, who famously once handed Rousey her very first defeat in the UFC, seemed far more skeptical when she told MMA Fighting, “Obviously sheâs not passionate about fighting anymore. Let her do her thing. Sheâs still active. Sheâs still living her life. Sheâs still doing her thing. Let her do it.â
MMA reporter Ariel Helwani also seemingly quashed the rumors, writing in a Tweet on July 13, “Ronda Rousey is not considering a UFC comeback, Iâm told.”
Ronda Rousey is not considering a UFC comeback, Iâm told.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 13, 2023
No truth to the rumors started yesterday.
Rousey herself has yet to comment on the rumors at this time.