Ronda Rousey‘s return to the gym after almost a decade away from the Octagon has piqued the MMA world’s interest. Fans are buzzing over every clip and caption, trying to figure out whether the former champion is planning a comeback or simply enjoying her love of the sport again. However, it appears that Chael Sonnen is not convinced that there is more than meets the eye.
Chael Sonnen recently addressed Rousey’s posts on his YouTube channel. ‘The American Gangster’ questioned how the footage was presented, pointing out that, while ‘Rowdy’ is certainly engaged, much of what spectators see is not true MMA sparring.
Instead, he argued that some of the excitement may be driven more by perception than fact, suggesting a disconnect between training highlights and real comeback plans. Sonnen believes that just because Ronda Rousey works with gloves or focuses on technique does not imply she is ready to return to the Octagon.
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He frames his critique as a combination of professional observation and personal history, pointing out that his tone occasionally stems from a slight grudge with her camp rather than any genuine disrespect. “I do catch myself more often taking tone as opposed to praising her. That’s purely out of spite because her assistant was rude to me. Just so you understand, I consider Ronda a friend. I think she’s a wonderful person. The story is just a story.”
The UFC analyst also calls out the narrative that portrays Ronda Rousey as the sport’s ultimate superstar. He claims that continuous exaggerations of her dominance and celebrity have produced expectations that may distort reality. ‘The American Gangster said on his YouTube channel, “Chuck Liddell is the greatest fighter of all time, and Ronda Rousey is the biggest star we’ve ever had. Neither of which is true, but it’s the way the story is just incessantly told.”
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In Chael Sonnen’s opinion, social media snippets that fans see as signals of a comeback may simply represent enthusiasm for training and being active. The previous champion’s routines, while spectacular, do not always signal an official intention to fight again.
Ronda Rousey has openly embraced her training in recent days, sharing videos of herself improving her techniques. While she has not ruled out a return, she does appear to be more concerned with personal growth and fitness than competition. And for the ones who expected her to make a return at UFC White House, the UFC & WWE star has given a definitive answer to that.
Ronda Rousey refuses to be on the historic UFC card
Ronda Rousey’s choice to skip the UFC White House card shows her focus on matters outside of the Octagon. While fans had hoped for a high-profile return, the former champion is clear that her time is best spent on personal stuff, such as her family and ongoing training. The White House stage, as prestigious as it may be, simply does not fit into her current lifestyle.
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Her response, delivered with her signature wit and candor, represents the balance she’s attempting to maintain. “I got better s— to do,” Rousey said, emphasizing that raising her child and attending to day-to-day chores now outweigh the appeal of another fight night. It’s a reminder that even athletes of her stature navigate competing pressures, choosing carefully where to invest their focus and energy. For the UFC, this means that the White House card will be held without one of its most iconic former champions.
While Rousey’s name carries unmatched fame, her refusal also shapes the narrative of her comeback—if it happens, it will be on her terms, not imposed by venue, ceremony, or spectacle. Fans may be disappointed in the short term, but the decision reinforces her agency and priorities beyond mere headline opportunities.