UFC legend Ronda Rousey breaks silence about UFC White House comeback fight rumors

"Rowdy" briefly addressed the thought about returning to the UFC next year
December 30, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Ronda Rousey before her fight against Amanda Nunes during UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
December 30, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Ronda Rousey before her fight against Amanda Nunes during UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey hasn't competed in MMA for nearly a decade, and while much has changed around the sport, Rousey's presence surely did draw eyeballs during her UFC run as the promotion's first-ever women's champion.

Rousey was knocked out by Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015, only fighting once more after taking a year's hiatus from the sport. Rousey lost in under a minute at UFC 207 in December 2016, marking the end of her MMA career before transitioning to the WWE in the years that followed.

Besides her WWE roles, Rousey has stayed largely out of the public spotlight. She was recently featured in VICE TV's "Dark Side of the Cage" documentary earlier this year, expressing the pressure she faced as one of the promotion's most prominent stars alongside Conor McGregor during that time period.

Could UFC Lure Ronda Rousey To Fight At White House?

UFC is planning an event at the White House next yea
Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; President-elect Donald Trump speaks with Dana White (left) during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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With the UFC's $7.7 billion Paramount deal taking shape in the U.S. next year, the promotion is gearing up for a blockbuster event at the White House in June. Among the big stars who may compete on the card, Rousey was recently asked about the idea of a return to MMA.

Rousey made a direct comparison to Mike Tyson's boxing return last November, suggesting she doesn't want to make the same mistake he did by letting age catch up to her.

Ronda Rousey Reveals UFC Comeback Possibilities

Rousey clarifie her plans to compete again
December 30, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Ronda Rousey enters the octagon during UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“I am not fighting at the White House,” Rousey said in an interview with "The Lapsed Fan" podcast. “After Mike Tyson being the biggest fight of the year, you never say never."

Rousey then broke her silence about making a surprise appearance in D.C., which was rather unsurprising to hear.

“But I ain’t fighting at the f****** White House," Rousey said.

Rousey was last brought up as a topic of discussion last January, as UFC CEO Dana White shot down the idea of her return coming at UFC 300 later that year when asked by Sportsnet.

“Ronda’s not coming back,” White said then. "GSP’s not coming back. Brock Lesnar’s like 45 years old or pushing 50. None of those calls were made.”

It remains to be seen what the UFC decides to do regarding the event. After all, it's nearly a year away, so time is on the promotion's side to put together the best card they can.

For now, only time will tell, but fans can tone down excitement (if any at all) for a Rousey comeback.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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