Note on Ronda Rousey Potentially Returning to UFC

Ronda Rousey is one of the most iconic UFC fighters ever, but it appeared as if she was done with the sport for good. However, Rousey recently posted training clips on Instagram and said she is “finding my love for MMA again,” leading to speculation that she may be interested in a return to fighting for UFC. On the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Ariel Helwani seemed to agree that something may be up with Rousey. Highlights of his comments are below.

On if Ronda Rousey might return to UFC: “I don’t know if it’s the White House card (the rumored UFC White House special that would take place in June of 2026). But I really think something is happening here.”

“I don’t think this is just … is she testing the waters? Sure. I think there is interest, and I’ll also say this: I never thought it would happen. She seemed so disgusted with MMA. The MMA community and the fans.”

“To now see this and to see her kind of flirting with the idea is something that I never expected, but I do think something’s there. What does that translate into? Does it actually translate into a fight? I don’t know.”

Cris Cyborg wasted no time getting into the mix, challenging Rousey to a fight on X, writing: “CyborgXRonda”

Rousey vs. Cyborg never happened despite being teased for years. Rousey last fought in UFC eight years ago.

#CyborgXRonda https://t.co/3xrMF9T4z3

— CrisCy₿org.Com (@criscyborg) September 21, 2025

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