Ronda Rousey Continues to Tease Potential Return

Recently, however, Rousey posted footage of herself training MMA along with a caption detailing how she regained her love for training, igniting speculation about a potential return to the sport she once dominated.

Here is her post:

The former bantamweight champion, who became a global superstar and household name, posted intense training videos hitting pads with former Bellator fighter, AJ Matthews. 

The first clip showed her finding her footing and getting into the rhythm of striking again, only eight weeks after giving birth to her second child in January.

The second clip was a more recently filmed video of her firing off crisp boxing combinations on the focus mitts with more intensity. 

In her caption, Rousey wrote, “The last six months have been an absolute blast. [It] feels like I have so much left to grow, and without the weight of the world on my shoulders, nothing is holding me back.”

She has also been spotted earlier this year training in grappling with judo coach Justin Flores. 

Recently, Rousey spoke on The Lapsed Fan podcast about a potential return, though she mentioned that she would not desire a spot on the UFC’s White House event.

Rousey could get a chance at a redemption arc, given that the women’s bantamweight division severely lacks competition. There have also been current fighters on the roster who would be open to welcoming her back into the Octagon, like long-time rival Miesha Tate. 

On the other hand, Amanda Nunes, the last woman to beat her, will be fighting Kayla Harrison as early as next year. Either woman would make for an interesting return fight for Rousey, though eight years removed from competition may make it difficult to justify those potential fights. Still, fighting a legend of Rousey's stature would almost guarantee a career-high payday and a chance to etch their name in history by facing an icon like her.

If posting this training footage is the first step toward a return, it would be the most unexpected and fascinating story in a sport known for its surprises.