Ronda Rousey has once again lit the combat sports world on fire after a sparring video she shared went viral over the weekend. The former UFC bantamweight champion, who hasn’t competed since 2016, looked sharp and energized as she showed her training progress. The timing couldn’t be more intriguing, dropping just as the UFC prepares for its historic White House event, leaving fans wondering if Rousey’s MMA return is closer than once thought.
Since retiring, Rousey has built a life outside of the cage, raising two children, writing a book, competing in WWE, and dabbling in Hollywood projects. Despite her accomplishments, she has never lost her desire to fight. She has previously stated that she would “never say never” to a return, and her recent posts confirm that her love for the sport remains strong.
Almost a decade after her final fight, seeing ‘Rowdy’ in gloves again evokes feelings of nostalgia and hope among fans. In her own words, Ronda Rousey detailed how she went from being “super self-conscious” eight weeks postpartum, humiliated by how much she had regressed, to rediscovering joy in training.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Honestly trying my very best not to pee my pants throwing punches so soon after having baby Pā’ū,” she joked about her first sessions. Fast forward to her most recent clip, and she wrote, “I’ve never laughed or smiled so much on the mat as I do these days. The last six months have been an absolute blast.”
It’s a rare look at Rousey’s vulnerability and progress, showing how she’s approaching MMA without the crushing pressure that once defined her career. For fans, this openness adds a new layer to her legendary story. Ronda Rousey was once an unbeatable force who finished all eleven of her early opponents in the first round, many with armbars, before brutal losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes ended her run at the top.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Her downfall has left scars on her for years, but her latest reflections indicate that she is now training on her own terms. She even ended her message with a quote from Alfred Mercier, “What we learn with pleasure, we never forget,” emphasizing her rediscovered passion. So, with her love for the sport back again, will she be making a UFC return? Well, that is definitely something that the fans are demanding.
Fans pressure Dana White to make Ronda Rousey return
Ronda Rousey’s honesty about rediscovering her love for training seemed to open a floodgate of emotion online, and the topic quickly went to whether Dana White should step in. Fans and athletes alike recognized the spark in her viral video and began lobbying for something bigger, arguing that if ‘Rowdy’ is smiling in gloves again, the Octagon should be her next stop. The buzz was about more than just her recovery story; it was about time, opportunity, and the kind of moment that could re-energize the UFC.
Those closest to her in wrestling were the first to show their support. Renee Paquette gushed, “Love this!! 👏👏,” while Nikki Garcia said, “Damn girl! 🔥🙌🏼” These comments expressed not only admiration for Rousey’s dedication but also a shared fear that her energy will flow back into the cage.
Across the MMA landscape, the praise was just as loud. Joanna Jedrzejczyk responded simply but emphatically with “👏👏,” and Ryan Benoit praised her as “Incredible!! @rondarouseySuch an incredible athlete.” The message was clear: Rousey still commands admiration from both sides.
At the heart of it all were the fans, who didn’t mince words about what they wanted to see next. “I really hope this means you’re possibly making a UFC comeback even if it’s for a fight or two,” one ardent fan said. Another pressed the question that everyone was thinking: “You just staying in shape, or you gonna fight again?”
The tone was a mix of curiosity and demand, as evidenced by comments like “Yayyyy!!!! 👏👏👏 It’s a comeback in the works? ❤” and “You’re looking good, Ronda. Would love to see you make a comeback in MMA.” The underlying sentiment was undeniable: her presence in training instilled confidence that a return is not only possible but necessary.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That notion was only strengthened when fans connected the dots to the UFC’s upcoming White House card, turning her sparring video into a rallying cry for a historic return. “Ronda in The White House Card? @danawhite plz ❤️,” one pleaded directly. Others echoed with raw excitement: “White House card?!” and “Ronda x White House, let’s go!!”
For many, it was more than just Rousey’s return; it was her doing so on one of the biggest stages the UFC has ever attempted. And now, as the pressure mounts online, all eyes are naturally drawn to Dana White to see if he can turn fan noise into reality.