Is Ronda Rousey making a UFC comeback in 2025? Explore her training with Cat Zingano, the likelihood of a return, and her potential impact on the women’s bantamweight division.
Ronda Rousey reignited UFC comeback rumors with a viral workout video alongside former opponent Cat Zingano. Nearly a decade after her last UFC fight—a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in 2016—the Ronda Rousey comeback 2025 speculation is in full swing. Fans are wondering: is this a real return to the Octagon, or just nostalgia bait? Let’s dive into the likelihood of her comeback and her potential impact on the UFC women’s bantamweight division.
Will Ronda Rousey Return to UFC in 2025?
Ronda Rousey’s recent training session with Cat Zingano, shared on Instagram, shows her hitting mitts and grappling, fueling hope for a UFC return. At 38, she appears in great shape, but her own words cast doubt on the Ronda Rousey comeback 2025 rumors. In a 2024 interview on the Insight podcast, Rousey admitted, “I’m not neurologically fit to compete anymore at the highest level,” citing repeated concussions from her MMA and WWE careers. UFC President Dana White also dismissed the idea in 2023, calling comeback rumors “a crock of s***” during a press conference.
How Ronda Rousey’s Comeback Could Shake Up the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Division
If Ronda Rousey returns in 2025, her impact on the UFC women’s bantamweight division would be massive. As the first UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Rousey’s 12-0 run, including iconic armbar finishes, elevated women’s MMA to new heights. With Amanda Nunes retired since 2023, the division—currently led by Julianna Peña and Raquel Pennington—lacks a marquee star. A Rousey comeback could boost pay-per-view numbers and inspire a new generation, much like her early 2010s dominance did.
However, at 38, with no fights since 2016, Rousey would face challenges against younger fighters like Kayla Harrison or Aspen Ladd, who’ve adapted to modern MMA’s striking and wrestling hybrids. Her judo-heavy style, once revolutionary, might struggle, and a lopsided loss could tarnish her legacy—a concern she’s voiced herself, preferring to “age gracefully” as a role model. Forbes Betting speculated in 2023 that a Rousey vs. Miesha Tate trilogy or a Peña fight could headline a vacant title bout, but her prime odds of -600 have faded; she’d likely be an underdog today.
Ronda Rousey’s Legacy: How She Changed Women’s MMA
Rousey’s impact on the sport is undeniable. Here’s a quick look at her career highlights:
- UFC Debut: February 2013, the first women’s fight in UFC history (vs. Liz Carmouche).
- Record: 12-2, with 9 armbar submissions.
- Key Wins: Miesha Tate (twice), Cat Zingano (14 seconds), Sara McMann.
- Losses: Knockouts to Holly Holm (2015) and Amanda Nunes (2016).
Her transition to WWE from 2018 to 2023 expanded her global fame, but she later called it a “s***show” in her 2024 book ‘Our Fight. ‘ Wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell criticized her WWE effort, noting she’d need to “learn to box” for a UFC return—a skill gap exposed in her losses to Holm and Nunes. Despite this, Rousey’s MMA legacy as a pioneer endures, making her comeback tease a tantalizing prospect for fans.
FAQ: Ronda Rousey Comeback 2025
- Is Ronda Rousey returning to UFC in 2025?
Likely not, due to her neurological concerns and focus on family. - What did Ronda Rousey say about her health?
She cited concussion issues on the Insight podcast, saying she’s not fit to compete at the highest level. - Who could Ronda Rousey fight if she returns?
Potential matchups include Julianna Peña, Kayla Harrison, or a Miesha Tate trilogy.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Ronda Rousey?
The Ronda Rousey comeback 2025 rumors appear to be more nostalgia than reality. Her training footage with Cat Zingano from her social media accounts excites fans, but her health concerns, Dana White’s stance, and family priorities suggest no UFC return for the women’s MMA pioneer. Do you think Ronda Rousey will return to UFC in 2025?
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