Ronda Rousey's Possible UFC Return: Timing And Controversy Surrounding The MMA Legend

Photo: Instagram/Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey, the trailblazer of women's MMA, has been absent from the sport for nearly seven years. However, with the recent retirement of Amanda Nunes and the void it created in the women's bantamweight division, discussions about Rousey's potential return to the UFC have emerged.

According to UFC commentator Jon Anik, the timing couldn't be better for her comeback. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Anik expressed his belief that now would be the ideal moment for Ronda Rousey to make her UFC return, especially considering Endeavor's recent acquisition of WWE, where she is currently signed.

Anik suggested that if anyone deserves such an opportunity, it is Rousey, but emphasized that she would only reenter the Octagon if she felt confident in her ability to compete. While Anik acknowledged the excitement surrounding Rousey's possible return, he also expressed reservations about her receiving an instant title shot.

Photo: Instagram/Ronda Rousey

He highlighted the importance of a meritocracy in the sport and believed it would be unfair to bypass other athletes who have been actively competing and striving for success. Anik drew a parallel to Henry Cejudo's return and how it affected other deserving contenders.

Anik acknowledged that there are several worthy bantamweight fighters who could contend for the vacant title, even though it may not be clear who the top contenders are at the moment. He expressed his opinion that Ronda Rousey, despite her name recognition, does not currently fit into that category.

Nonetheless, he remained open-minded and stated that time would reveal the true contenders. Ronda Rousey's career in MMA began impressively, winning fights with her signature armbar submission.

Her dominant performances even convinced UFC President Dana White to change his stance on women competing in the organization. Rousey's success continued in the UFC, with most of her victories coming in the first round, except for a fight against her former rival, Miesha Tate.

However, her reign came to an abrupt end when she was knocked out by Holly Holm in 2015. Although speculations about her return surfaced in 2017 when Rousey started working with a new trainer, she played down the possibility in a 2018 interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

Rousey compared the chances of her returning to the UFC to her returning to judo in the Olympics, indicating that an MMA comeback was unlikely. Currently, Rousey holds a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses.

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Source: Bloody Elbow