Could a Potential UFC Return by Ronda Rousey Eclipse the Greatest Comebacks in Combat Sports History?
Ronda Rousey comeback tale
In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, few names carry the weight and star power of Ronda Rousey. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, who revolutionized women’s MMA with her armbar submissions and undefeated streak, has been out of the Octagon since her devastating loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016.
Now, nearly nine years later, rumors of a comeback have ignited the combat sports community, with Rousey herself addressing the speculation in recent interviews.
But if “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey were to step back into the cage, would it rank as the biggest comeback in combat sports history?
Experts, fans, and historical precedents suggest it could be a contender—but not without caveats.
Rousey’s recent return to training has fueled the fire. In a candid response to comeback rumors, the 38-year-old Hall of Famer stated she’s rediscovered her love for the sport but isn’t committing to a fight. She downplayed the hype, saying no fighter is ever truly retired, yet emphasized her focus on personal growth rather than competition.
Adding intrigue, Rousey revealed that Mike Tyson’s high-profile (and lucrative) exhibition bout against Jake Paul in 2024, which reportedly netted Tyson $20 million, inspired her to reconsider her own legacy and potential return. “I’m the greatest ever,” Ronda Rousey boldly claimed in one interview, while sharing an eye-opening reaction to the swirling rumors.
However, not everyone is on board. UFC analyst Din Thomas voiced serious concerns, arguing that Ronda Rousey “shouldn’t even be cleared” for a comeback due to her history of concussions and the risks involved, calling it “irresponsible” and a “bad look” for MMA. This sentiment echoes broader worries about athlete safety in a sport that has advanced significantly since Rousey’s heyday, with improved striking, grappling, and overall athleticism among female fighters.
To gauge if Rousey’s hypothetical return would be the ultimate comeback, it’s essential to stack it against combat sports legends. Boxing boasts some of the most iconic revivals:
George Foreman: Perhaps the gold standard, Foreman retired in 1977 after a shocking loss to Jimmy Young, only to return a decade later at age 38. He reclaimed the heavyweight title in 1994 at 45, knocking out Michael Moorer in a fairy-tale upset. His 10-year layoff and age-defying success make this a benchmark for longevity and redemption.
Muhammad Ali: Banned from boxing for 3.5 years due to his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, Ali returned in 1970 and reclaimed his throne with wins over Joe Frazier and George Foreman, including the “Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali’s comeback transcended sports, blending athletic prowess with cultural impact.
Sugar Ray Leonard: After retiring in 1982 due to a detached retina, Leonard came back in 1984 and famously upset Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1987 for the middleweight crown. His return highlighted technical mastery over brute force.
In MMA, comebacks often involve shorter absences but dramatic in-fight turnarounds or career resurgences:
Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (UFC 117, 2010): Silva was dominated for four rounds before submitting Sonnen in the fifth with a triangle-armbar, saving his title in one of the greatest in-fight comebacks.
Fedor Emelianenko: The Russian heavyweight legend bounced back from losses in Strikeforce to win multiple fights in smaller promotions, though his prime-era dominance never fully returned.
Conor McGregor: After a 15-month hiatus following his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor returned with a 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone in 2020, though subsequent defeats tempered the narrative.
Rousey’s case stands out for several reasons. Her initial run from 2011 to 2015 was unparalleled: 12 straight wins, most by first-round armbar, drawing massive pay-per-view numbers and putting women’s MMA on the map. A return after nearly a decade would mirror Foreman’s in terms of time away, but at 38, she’d face a division stacked with talents like Julianna Peña, Raquel Pennington, and rising stars influenced by her own legacy. Proponents argue her star power—bolstered by WWE stints and Hollywood roles—could shatter viewership records, potentially outpacing even McGregor’s draws.
Yet, skeptics point to the evolution of the sport. Women’s MMA has progressed beyond Rousey’s judo-heavy style; modern fighters like Valentina Shevchenko blend elite striking with grappling. A loss upon return could tarnish her legacy, much like Tyson’s later exhibitions. Moreover, health risks loom large, as highlighted by Thomas.
Social media buzz reflects divided opinions. On X (formerly Twitter), fans speculate about matchups, with some calling for an “armbar battle” against grapplers like Bia Mesquita. Others question if she’s ready, with posts debating her training videos and potential opponents.
Ultimately, whether Rousey’s return would be the biggest comeback hinges on execution. If she defies odds, reclaims a title, or even delivers a memorable performance, it could rival Foreman’s for sheer improbability and cultural resonance. As Rousey herself teased, she’s “waiting on the call”—but for now, the combat world watches, wondering if the pioneer can rewrite history once more.
