Holly Holm. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Holly Holm knocks out Ronda Rousey comeback speculation

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 7/13/23

Whether she was right or wrong, UFC bantamweight fighter Chelsea Chandler created quite the commotion in the mixed martial arts world on Wednesday after she stated she had heard Ronda Rousey was eyeing a UFC return.

While the only one who knows if there’s any truth to Chandler’s statement is Rousey herself, many have shared their opinion on the matter, including one of only two fighters to ever beat Rousey — Holly Holm.

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“Honestly, I truly think she’s happier doing what she’s doing now than she was in fighting; I just sense that,” Holm told MMA Fighting. “I don’t know so I’m not going to say 100 percent on that, but I sense that she’s enjoying her time and her life and being a mom and doing her wrestling. I honestly don’t think [she’s coming back].”

The timing of Rousey’s rumored interest in returning to the Octagon is convenient considering her WWE contract expires later this year and former women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes’ sudden retirement last month.

Rousey hasn’t fought in the UFC since losing to Nunes in 48 seconds at UFC 207 in 2016 for the women’s bantamweight championship. Nunes went on an impressive 9-1 run after that fight, while Rousey began working full-time for the WWE and had a child in September 2021.

At 36, Rousey would be older than every women’s bantamweight fighter ranked in the top 10 except for Holm, who’s 41.

“Obviously she’s not passionate about fighting anymore,” Holm added. “…You have to physically want to be there. You have to mentally want to be there. You have to emotionally want to be there.”

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