Ronda Rousey, a name synonymous with pioneering women`s MMA, has once again set the rumor mill spinning with hints of a UFC return. While the thought of “Rowdy” gracing the octagon brings a surge of nostalgia, the reality of a comeback in the modern fight landscape is met with a stark, even brutal, dose of skepticism from those who know the sport best.
A Legend`s Whisper: The Spark Ignites
For years, the mere mention of Ronda Rousey`s name was enough to command attention. As the inaugural UFC Women`s Bantamweight Champion, an Olympic medalist in judo, and a bona fide superstar, Rousey didn`t just compete; she transcended the sport. Her dominant performances created legions of fans and paved the way for women in mixed martial arts. Yet, after back-to-back losses to Holly Holm in 2015 and Amanda Nunes in 2016 – defeats that sent shockwaves through the fighting world – Rousey stepped away from the cage, eventually carving out a successful career in professional wrestling with WWE.
The door to an MMA return seemed firmly shut, especially after Rousey cited neurological injuries as a deterrent to further competition. However, a recent social media post featuring Rousey in training, coupled with a caption hinting at rediscovering her “love” for MMA, has reignited the dormant flame of possibility. For many, it`s a dream scenario: the return of a trailblazer to reclaim her past glory. But for others, it`s a sobering prospect, fraught with the harsh realities of time and an ever-evolving sport.
The Unvarnished Truth: A Veteran`s Reality Check
Among the voices offering a cautious, if not outright pessimistic, perspective is UFC veteran Matt Brown. Known for his tenacious fighting style and candid assessments, “The Immortal” pulled no punches when discussing the likelihood of a successful Rousey comeback. While acknowledging the undeniable drawing power of a Rousey return, Brown`s analysis quickly shifted to the unforgiving nature of the octagon, particularly for those who have spent years away.
“We know everyone would get behind bringing Ronda Rousey back,” Brown remarked. “As big of a star as she was, yeah, f— yeah everybody would be all about it. Whether they love her or hate her, we’ll watch 100 percent. (But) I would say the same thing with Conor (McGregor)…you cannot take that time off and expect to come back at a high level. Everybody else is working every day. This isn’t 1998 anymore, where you can just kind of be a fighter in training camp and then chill and then come back. We’re not even talking about that. We’re talking about years off. She’ll get destroyed.”
Brown’s words echo a sentiment common among long-time observers of the sport: MMA is not a realm where athletes can simply pick up where they left off. The game has become increasingly sophisticated, with fighters constantly refining their techniques, conditioning, and strategic approaches. The physical demands are immense, and the mental fortitude required to step back into that high-stakes environment after a lengthy absence is often underestimated.
The notion that “everybody else is working every day” is not just hyperbole; it`s the core truth of modern professional fighting. The skill ceiling continues to rise, and gaps in active competition translate directly into disadvantages. The octagon, much like time itself, marches on relentlessly, caring little for past accolades.
A Foe Awaits: Cris Cyborg`s Persistent Challenge
Adding another intriguing layer to the comeback speculation is the perennial call-out from Cris Cyborg. For years, a superfight between Rousey and Cyborg was the most talked-about matchup in women`s MMA – a dream bout that, for various reasons, never materialized in the UFC. Now, as Cyborg approaches the twilight of her illustrious career, currently under contract with the PFL, she wasted no time in signaling her readiness to face Rousey.
Responding to the comeback rumors with a simple yet powerful “#CyborgRousey,” the Brazilian powerhouse made her intentions clear. While the logistics of such a fight, including contractual obligations and weight classes, would be complex, the prospect of this long-awaited clash finally happening adds a dramatic flare to Rousey`s potential return. It represents not just a comeback, but a chance to settle arguably the biggest “what if” in women`s MMA history.
The Legacy Question: More Than Just a Fight
Should Ronda Rousey indeed decide to lace up the gloves again, her return would be more than just another fight; it would be a profound test of legacy. Her initial reign was historic, but her final two losses raised questions about her adaptability and resilience against elite strikers. A comeback would force her to confront those demons, not just against a new generation of fighters, but against the very evolution of the sport she helped to build.
The path back is arduous, paved with grueling training camps, strict diets, and the immense pressure of living up to a legendary past. While the temptation of one more moment in the spotlight might be strong, the sober assessment from seasoned veterans suggests that the octagon, much like history, rarely offers a smooth rewrite. Whether Rousey truly intends to answer the call, or if this is merely a nostalgic tease, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the world of MMA will be watching, ready to witness if a pioneer can indeed defy the unforgiving march of time and an ever-improving competitive landscape.
Percy Harlow 
Gareth Fenton