Ronda Rousey, the pioneering former UFC bantamweight champion, has once again captured the attention of fight fans and MMA pundits alike with her latest remarks regarding a potential return to the octagon. Although Rousey hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts since her dramatic exit in 2017, speculation about her comeback never seems to die down—especially with major UFC events on the horizon and the sport’s ever-growing appetite for blockbuster moments.
Rousey’s storied MMA career began with a bang. As the UFC’s first-ever women’s champion, she blazed a trail for female fighters and drew massive crowds with her signature armbar victories and fierce persona. Her reign, however, came to a sudden halt after suffering back-to-back knockout defeats—first at the hands of Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015, then against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. At just 29 years old, Rousey decided to step away from competition, a decision that many at the time believed would be temporary.
It wasn’t until later that Rousey revealed the real reason behind her early retirement: a medical issue that forced her to hang up her gloves sooner than she had planned. The revelation, shared publicly last year, put to rest some of the more persistent rumors but did little to quell fan hopes for a comeback. Every time the UFC teases a major card, Rousey’s name shoots back into the rumor mill, fueled by nostalgic fans and media speculation alike.
One of the most recent—and high-profile—waves of speculation surrounded the UFC’s landmark UFC 300 card in April 2024. The chatter grew so loud that even UFC president Dana White had to step in and set the record straight. According to Sportsnet, White said, “Ronda’s not coming back. GSP’s not coming back. Brock Lesnar’s like 45 years old or pushing 50. None of those calls were made.” His comments seemed definitive, but as history has shown, the world of combat sports thrives on the unexpected.
Fast forward to September 2025, and Rousey found herself at the center of fresh comeback rumors. This time, the buzz revolved around the UFC’s ambitious plans for a special Independence Day event at the White House in June 2026—a spectacle made possible by the promotion’s new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. With the UFC aiming to assemble a star-studded card at the nation’s most iconic residence, fans and pundits wondered: Could Rousey be lured back for one more fight?
Rousey addressed the swirling rumors head-on during a candid appearance on The Lapsed Fan podcast. Her response was as direct as it was colorful: “I am not fighting at the White House,” she declared. Drawing a parallel to Mike Tyson’s much-publicized boxing return in November 2024, she added, “After Mike Tyson being the biggest fight of the year, you never say never. But I ain’t fighting at the f—ing White House. Even if offered? I got better s— to do. My kid needs pasta!” The remark, equal parts defiant and humorous, made waves across social media and sports news outlets.
While Rousey was adamant about not competing at the White House event, she carefully avoided ruling out a return to MMA altogether. Her “never say never” comment, especially when referencing Tyson’s own late-career comeback, left the door just slightly ajar. For fans clinging to hope, that sliver of possibility is all they need to keep the dream alive.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rousey’s personal life has recently intersected with her professional narrative in intriguing ways. In January 2025, she gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha. Remarkably, just six weeks after delivery, Rousey began sharing workout videos online, documenting her journey to regain peak physical condition. By August, she was celebrating a striking six-month body transformation, crediting MMA training for her progress and once again igniting whispers of a comeback.
The intensity of her training and the openness with which she shared her fitness journey prompted many to wonder whether she was preparing for something more than just personal wellness. Was Rousey gearing up for a return to the cage? Or was she simply embracing the discipline and challenge that MMA training provides? As always, Rousey’s actions have spoken as loudly as her words, keeping fans and commentators guessing.
Beyond the octagon, Rousey has stayed in the public eye through various ventures. After transitioning to the WWE, she took on new challenges as a professional wrestler, further expanding her fan base. Earlier this year, she was featured in VICE TV’s “Dark Side of the Cage” documentary, where she opened up about the immense pressure she faced as one of the UFC’s biggest stars. Sharing the spotlight with the likes of Conor McGregor, Rousey reflected on the highs and lows of her career, offering rare insight into the demands of life at the top of combat sports.
Despite her accomplishments and enduring popularity, Rousey’s relationship with the sport remains complex. The physical and mental toll of elite competition, combined with her responsibilities as a mother of two, has clearly shifted her priorities. As she told The Lapsed Fan podcast, family now takes precedence over any potential return to the cage. “I got better s— to do. My kid needs pasta!” she quipped, underscoring her devotion to her children and her reluctance to be drawn back into the fight game for spectacle’s sake.
Still, the allure of a Rousey comeback is hard to ignore. With the UFC’s White House event nearly a year away and the card still in the works, the promotion has ample time to craft a lineup worthy of the occasion. Whether Rousey’s name will ultimately appear on that list remains to be seen, but her refusal to categorically rule out a return ensures that speculation will persist for months to come.
For now, fans will have to settle for Rousey’s social media updates and the occasional podcast appearance. The MMA world continues to watch and wait, ever hopeful that the sport’s original queen will one day make her triumphant return. Until then, Rousey seems content to focus on her family, her health, and the next chapter of her remarkable journey.
As the UFC prepares for its historic White House event and the sport continues to evolve, Ronda Rousey’s legacy remains secure. Whether she ever steps back into the cage or not, her impact on MMA is undeniable—and her story, as always, is far from over.
