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Ronda Rousey has remained tight-lipped amid months of rumors about her return to the UFC, leaving fans on edge. The former bantamweight champion hasn’t fought since a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016, when concussion concerns seemed to have ended her career. But a revived interest in MMA, a stunning physical transformation, and Mike Tyson‘s return have sparked rumors, and the internet may have figured out her next opponent. The news arrived in an unusual form: an Instagram video from Rousey herself. In it, she tries to catch a lizard crawling on the floor, only for it to escape her grasp and crawl onto her back. The event left her screaming, laughing, and visibly taken aback, revealing a side of the former champion that fans rarely witness. The video instantly went viral, with several fans laughing along with the former fighter in the comments. However, for some, it was a confirmation that the ‘Rowdy’ is definitely making a comeback to the Octagon. “Rousey’s comeback fight,” wrote a fan, as the former UFC champion clearly struggled against the flexibility and scrambling skills of the little reptile. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Several more MMA fans reacted instantly, clearly amused by the skills of the lizard. As one fan wrote, “Smooth back transition,” while another explained that the creepy-crawly was going for the finish, “He goin for the rear naked choke.” It was quite amusing to see how that scuffle with the creature turned into playful commentary about her sparring session with this potential comeback opponent. Praise poured in as well, highlighting the courage required to face creepy challenges. “I wouldn’t have the courage to take it,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Another reason you are awesome!” Even a brief and amusing interaction reminded fans why Ronda Rousey has remained a role model in the sport: brave, unfiltered, and unafraid of challenges, whether inside or outside the cage. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad But not all was about her next fight, as a lighter side of the video dominated the comments. Fans joked, “MMA fighter scared of lizards 🦎 😂,” “Someone doesn’t want to be caught 😂,” and “😂 No good deed.” Well, it surely looks like fans loved the little interaction, and many are still waiting for ‘Rowdy’ to make her comeback to MMA. But is Ronda Rousey really planning to return to the Octagon anytime soon? Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Ronda Rousey responds to comeback rumors Ronda Rousey’s recent return to training has fans buzzing, but she’s clear that hitting the gym isn’t always a sign of a UFC comeback. After nearly a decade away, she’s determined to recover her sense of self and embrace MMA for its own sake. “I’m just having fun with it again,” she said on The Breakfast Club. “It got to a point where it got hijacked from me, and I was fighting and training for reasons other than my own.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad ‘Rowdy’ is inspired by Mike Tyson’s return to boxing at the age of 58, which proves no fighter is ever completely done. Rousey’s aim, however, is not glory or titles, but rather regaining the joy of training, rolling with friends, and teaching judo. These garage gym sessions have helped her rediscover her athletic identity, which she believed had been lost after pregnancy and stepping away from competition. While she hasn’t committed to competing again, her passion for MMA has certainly returned. “It makes me happy,” she revealed. “Everyone’s like, ‘What are you training for?’ I’m like, for my own joy. Is that bad?” Fans can speculate, but Rousey is currently focusing on herself and her health, keeping the door open for a future return without making any promises.
