Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has downplayed growing speculation about a potential return to mixed martial arts, insisting her latest training sessions are about rediscovering herself — not preparing for a comeback.
The 38-year-old American fighter, once hailed as the trailblazer of women’s MMA, sparked rumours of a UFC return after sharing a series of intense training footage videos on social media. Fans quickly began speculating that the former champion was plotting an unexpected comeback nearly a decade after her last fight.
However, Rousey has now clarified her intentions, saying her motivation is purely personal.
“They’re like, ‘you look so good,’” Rousey told The Breakfast Club radio show. “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.”
“No Fighter Is Ever Truly Retired” – Rousey Reflects on Legacy
While Rousey dismissed the idea of an official return, she admitted that no fighter ever completely closes the door on competition.
“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,” she said.
The former Olympic judo bronze medallist became the first-ever UFC women’s bantamweight champion in 2012 and defended her title six times in dominant fashion. Her aggressive, armbar-heavy style made her a global star — and a cultural icon for women in combat sports.
But her career took a sharp downturn following consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Rousey later revealed that repeated concussions during training and competition played a major role in her decision to retire in 2016.
A Champion’s Journey: From UFC Glory to WWE Stardom
After walking away from MMA, Rousey transitioned into professional wrestling, joining the WWE in 2018. Her crossover success continued until 2023, when she announced her departure from the company to focus on family life and personal well-being.
Last month, Rousey shut down rumours linking her to a special fight at the UFC’s upcoming White House event in 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Her decision to return to training, she said, had nothing to do with a comeback — and everything to do with reclaiming her “bodily identity” after motherhood.
“Training for My Own Joy” – Rousey Opens Up About Postpartum Motivation
Rousey, who welcomed her second daughter earlier this year, spoke candidly about how pregnancy affected her physically and emotionally.
“Being pregnant is tough,” she admitted. “I didn’t feel like a finely tuned athletic machine anymore. That’s where it started — I wanted to get my bodily identity back from being a vessel for creating another person.”
Rousey explained that returning to MMA training helped her reconnect with her athletic roots and find happiness again.
“I started training MMA again because I feel like I kind of lost that identity as a fighter,” she said. “It broke my heart to be away from it because I love it so much. It makes me happy.”
When asked whether her workouts meant she was preparing for another fight, Rousey laughed off the suggestion:
“I’m training for my own joy. Is that bad?”
Rousey’s Influence Remains Unmatched
Even without stepping back into the octagon, Ronda Rousey’s legacy in women’s MMA remains undeniable. With 12 wins in 14 professional fights — all by stoppage — she redefined what was possible for female fighters and helped push the sport into the mainstream.
As Rousey continues to train on her own terms, fans remain hopeful — but for now, the UFC icon insists her focus is on self-fulfillment, not competition.
“I’m not planning world domination,” she reiterated. “I’m just finding myself again.”
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