Former UFC and WWE Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey has once again dispelled persistent rumors about a potential return to mixed martial arts, emphasizing that her focus remains on her family and recuperating from pregnancy. Despite recent social media posts showing Rousey training and looking physically sharp, the 38-year-old superstar reaffirmed she is not planning a fight comeback anytime soon.
Rousey’s Response to Comeback Speculation
In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, Rousey was asked directly about the swirling speculation that she might re-enter the UFC Octagon. She stated:
“I just had a baby. You know what I mean? I’m just trying to get my body identity back, and nothing more. I’m just enjoying being in the gym again and feeling a lot better and healthier. It just feels really good to get that freedom of movement back and train for the love of it. I feel like that’s something I lost before. So yeah, I’m just really enjoying myself.”
Rousey gave birth to her second daughter, Liko’ula P?’?omahinakaipiha Browne, in July 2024 with her husband, former UFC fighter Travis Browne. Her recent return to cardio and training routines appears driven by personal wellness rather than professional ambitions in combat sports[2][3][4].
The Reality Behind the Training Videos
Over recent weeks, Rousey has shared footage on social media showing her striking mitts and moving fluidly in the gym. This triggered discussions of a possible UFC return fueled by her visibly impressive physique. UFC President Dana White even commented on her “ripped” condition, adding that Rousey has spent time with officials in Las Vegas as the UFC keeps a door open for her if she ever chooses to return.
However, insiders close to WWE and MMA insiders affirm that while Rousey loves the training aspect, her priorities lie well beyond fighting—for now. A WWE source told Wrestling News:
“Ronda is not ruled out completely returning someday, but right now, her heart isn’t in competitive fighting. She’s reclaiming her identity as a mom and a woman beyond the cage. Everyone in the industry respects that.”[4][1]
The Impact of Motherhood on Her Career Outlook
Rousey openly discusses the profound physical and emotional changes she’s experienced since becoming a mother twice. She likened pregnancy to feeling handicapped due to the physical restrictions, and now she enjoys the freedom of moving uninhibited again. This perspective is a key reason why Rousey is not rushing back into professional combat sports.
Her comments shed a new light on her approach to both MMA and pro wrestling, which she officially left in 2023. Since leaving WWE, Rousey has been critical of the company’s treatment of her tenure and has ruled out a return. The focus on family and wellness signals her desire to redefine her life’s priorities beyond public spectacle and fighting[3][4].
What a UFC Return Could Look Like — If It Ever Happens
Despite Rousey’s current disinterest in fighting, it’s well-known that the UFC would welcome her back with open arms. She is undeniably one of the biggest draws and pioneers of women’s MMA. Dana White has stated that if Rousey chose to return, she would likely be handed an immediate title shot, potentially against top contenders like Kayla Harrison, a formidable world-champion Judoka.
Such a matchup would draw unprecedented attention to women’s MMA. However, the odds of it happening any time soon remain slim given Rousey’s focus off the cage[1][5].
A Career That Rewrote Women’s MMA and WWE History
Ronda Rousey’s legacy in both the UFC and WWE is monumental. She started her MMA career 12-0 and was the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion. Her dominance helped elevate female MMA fighters and brought mainstream attention to the sport.
Her transition to WWE allowed her to showcase athleticism in a new arena, earning the Women’s Championship. But the rigor of fighting and wrestling, combined with personal evolution through motherhood, have led her to become more selective, prioritizing health and family.
Final Word from Rousey
Summing up her current mindset, Rousey said,
“Have you ever had kids? It’s a different kind of challenge. This phase of getting my bodily identity back is really rewarding. Training for love and health—not for fights—has given me new joy.”
For the time being, fans can appreciate Rousey’s honesty and respect her journey. Whether her future includes a UFC comeback remains uncertain, but her impact on combat sports and entertainment is undeniable.