Ronda Rousey who is known as the UFC’s first female Bantam weight champion and pioneer of women’s MMA is still retaining herself in headlines. From her 2018 Hall of Fame induction to recent training footage sparking comeback rumors, explore the latest updates on Rousey’s legacy and possible return.
🏆 UFC Hall of Fame Pioneer
Ronda Rousey was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing on July 5, 2018, becoming the first female fighter ever honored. She was introduced by UFC President Dana White who famously reversed his stance on women in the sport after witnessing her impact.
On that night, Rousey addressed the fans, saying:
“May I be the first of many. Together, we changed what it means to fight like a girl.”
Her rapid rise was marked by dominant victories on the global stage, including being Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion before entering UFC, where she defended her title six times with armbar finishes in under a minute.
👶 Motherhood & New Chapters
Rousey welcomed her second daughter in January 2025, naming her Liko’ula Pā‘ūomahinakaipiha Browne the daughter’s name reflecting Hawaiian heritage. She also has an older daughter La’akea (born 2021). In interviews Rousey has credited several times that motherhood is improving her mental and emotional health.
She took retirement from WWE in October 2023 so that she can focus on her family and personal health which shows a new chapter off the competitive stage.
🥊 Training Sparks Comeback Speculation
In recent weeks training footage surfaced online showing Rousey hitting pads, rolling and practicing judo at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas captured by MMA fighter Luana Santos. This endorsed a set of speculation on online media about a possibility of her return to the UFC, even though no official announcement about it has been made.
Fans and media have reacted with excitement:
“The Queen is back!” a common refrain among MMA enthusiasts on social media.
Her manager clarified the sessions were for fitness and mentorship not a road to return.
⚠️ Health Concerns & Why No Return… Yet
Rousey has openly discussed long term neurological issues including temporary blindness, balance issues, and cognitive lapses attributed to sustained head trauma from her MMA and WWE careers. Medical evaluations including those with the Cleveland Clinic have underscored risks that may preclude a full return to high impact combat sports.
Despite training visuals concussion related concerns have made her cautious. She previously stated she might never feel “neurologically fit to compete again at the highest level.”
🔥 From Judo to Global Spotlight
- Olympic Bronze: She got her Beijing Judo medal in 2008
- Strikeforce Champion: She is the Last Bantam Weight title holder before UFC takeover
- Unmatched dominance: Six title defenses in UFC via armbar, often under one minute
- Movie Superstar: Appeared in films like Furious 7, The Expendables 3, authored My Fight / Your Fight.
She changed the perception of women’s fighting globally and became the Idol for most of the Female Fighters. She paved the way for stars like Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm.
Ronda Rousey is not considering a UFC comeback, I’m told.
No truth to the rumors started yesterday.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 13, 2023
📅 Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Olympic Bronze in Judo |
| 2011 | Strikeforce Bantamweight Champion |
| 2012 | UFC debut, first women’s bout victory vs. Liz Carmouche |
| 2012–2015 | Undefeated run with six armbar finishes |
| 2015 | KO loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 |
| 2016 | KO loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 and retirement |
| 2018 | Hall of Fame induction, entering Modem Wing |
| 2018–2023 | WWE runs, 3 world titles won |
| 2023 | Departure from WWE |
| 2024–2025 | Neurological study; second child born |
| 2025 | Training footage stirs return rumors |
🔍 Return Prospects & UFC White House Card Buzz
With a proposed UFC event at the White House planned for July 2026 (America’s 250th anniversary), speculation mounts about Rousey being involved whether ceremonially or even in exhibition capacity. UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out certain headliners like Jon Jones, adding fuel to conversation around Rousey’s potential involvement.
However, her manager maintains she is not actively preparing for competition.
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