Ronda Rousey Crowns Herself as ‘Greatest Ever’ Amid Demand for Comeback Fight

UFC legend Ronda Rousey talks about what influences her return to the Octagon by cementing her GOAT status.

Ronda Rousey Crowns Herself as ‘Greatest Ever’ Amid Demand for Comeback Fight

Ronda Rousey talks about potential return to the UFC (via BBC)

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There are moments in sports when the past and present begin to blur. when the sight of a familiar name returning to training reignites questions that once seemed settled. In mixed martial arts, such moments often carry the weight of legacy and speculation in equal measure. One such instance recently occurred when UFC legend Ronda Rousey responded to rumours about her potential UFC comeback.

Rousey is primarily credited for the globalisation of women’s MMA and was the first woman to be signed to the UFC. Her last fight against Amanda Nunes in the UFC was followed by a departure from the sport, and in the years that followed, she even transitioned to work in professional wrestling. However, Rousey recently resumed training routines after having been away from active UFC competition since 2016.

The recent training activity has drawn attention, but it does not represent a formal commitment to fight again. In speaking about her decision, ‘Rowdy’ emphasized that stepping onto the mats again was driven by personal reasons rather than career ambition. Rousey cited a desire to recover a sense of physical identity after childbirth and to enjoy movement and martial arts again on her own terms.

They’re like, ‘You look so good!’ Because I’m the greatest ever. Of course, this is what happens when I train! I look great. Sorry. I don’t have to have a plan for world domination in mind. But Mike Tyson coming back and being the biggest fight of last year just kind of proves that I don’t think anyone’s ever really done.

Ronda Rousey via The Breakfast Club

Her entrance back into training has also been gradual and measured. She described having mats and a cage in her garage where she engaged in judo and sometimes karate with her friends. Rousey revealed that she was working with coaches in strength and conditioning. She admitted that the sessions are intended to reconnect with the discipline itself rather than ramp toward a fight week schedule.

Rousey also drew comparisons to Mike Tyson’s high-profile comeback against Jake Paul, which generated massive global interest and record-breaking viewership. Tyson returned to the squared circle professionally after a 19-year hiatus, and the bout gained a gigantic viewership of 108 million on Netflix, with Tyson reportedly taking home $20 million.

From her The Ultimate Fighter 17 rivalry with Miesha Tate to her dominant reign as UFC women’s bantamweight champion from 2013 to 2015, Ronda Rousey’s influence on mixed martial arts is undeniable. She not only became the first female fighter to headline a UFC event, but also opened doors for generations of women to compete on the same stage as men.

Ronda Rousey presented with Kayla Harrison as a return fight by controversial MMA manager

Ronda Rousey’s retirement from mixed martial arts marked the end of an era but also laid the foundation for a new generation of elite female fighters. Her trailblazing run in the UFC inspired the rise of champions like Valentina Shevchenko, Zhang Weili, and Rose Namajunas, each carrying forward the legacy she helped create.

Ali Abdelaziz suggests Kayla Harrison vs Ronda Rousey
Ali Abdelaziz suggests Kayla Harrison vs Ronda Rousey (via MMA Fighting, ESPN)

In the years since, a new star has emerged in Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist who transitioned seamlessly into MMA. After signing with the UFC, Harrison captured the bantamweight title in dominant fashion by submitting Julianna Pena at UFC 316. She is managed by Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, who has now proposed what he believes could be the biggest women’s fight in history.

Forget about Amanda. Let’s make Kayla Harrison vs. Ronda Rousey biggest fight in UFC history. @KaylaH team Pedro.

Ali Abdelaziz via X

Over the years, there have been persistent rumors that Ronda Rousey’s potential UFC return would be aimed at avenging her 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes, the fighter who sent her to retirement. However, Ali Abdelaziz’s proposal of a bout against Kayla Harrison shifts that narrative entirely, offering a clash between two Olympic judokas who defined different eras of women’s combat sports.

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