Ronda Rousey Back in Training After Years Away
Ronda Rousey has shared a glimpse of her renewed connection with mixed martial arts, years after stepping away from competition. In a recent series of clips, the former UFC champion showcased her training progress from eight weeks postpartum to eight months later, highlighting both her physical recovery and her rediscovered passion for the sport. Her updates have triggered wide speculation that a comeback may be on the horizon.
Rousey’s Journey in MMA
Rousey’s history in combat sports is unmatched. Before entering MMA, she made her name as an Olympic judoka, winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. Transitioning into MMA, she quickly built a reputation as a submission specialist, with her trademark armbar becoming one of the most feared techniques in the cage.
In 2012, she became the first woman signed to the UFC, marking a turning point for women’s MMA. Rousey went on a dominant run, defending her bantamweight title six times with lightning-fast finishes, many of them ending in under a minute. Her reign established her as one of the sport’s first true mainstream stars.
Her career momentum slowed after a stunning knockout loss to Holly Holm in 2015, followed by another defeat to Amanda Nunes in 2016. Shortly after, she transitioned into professional wrestling with WWE, where she became a featured performer. Until now, her days in MMA seemed firmly behind her.
Rediscovering the Joy of Training
In her latest posts, Rousey openly acknowledged her struggles during the initial stages of returning to the gym. At eight weeks postpartum, she admitted to feeling self-conscious about her condition. By eight months, however, her perspective shifted. She described smiling more, laughing more, and rediscovering why she fell in love with martial arts in the first place.
“Feels like I have so much left to grow, and without the weight of the world on my shoulders, nothing is holding me back,” Rousey wrote alongside her training footage.
Her training sessions with AJ Matthews have shown visible improvements in speed and technique, signalling a steady rebuild of her MMA skills.
Comeback Speculation Gains Momentum
The release of her training footage immediately fuelled talk of a return. While Rousey has not confirmed any official plans, her renewed presence in the gym has sparked conversations about potential opponents. A matchup with Kayla Harrison has been a recurring topic, given Harrison’s rise in the sport and her own background in judo.
Though no official talks have been confirmed, even the hint of such a fight carries significant intrigue across the MMA community.
Setting Boundaries Before Any Return
Rousey has also made it clear that she is approaching this stage on her own terms. She dismissed the idea of fighting under certain conditions, specifically stating she would not compete at the White House event. Her focus appears to be on personal fulfilment, progression, and enjoyment rather than pressure from outside expectations.
This measured approach suggests that if she does compete again, it will be under carefully chosen circumstances that align with her lifestyle and priorities.
What Her Return Could Mean for Women’s MMA
Should Rousey step back into competition, it would be one of the most significant comebacks in MMA history. Her name recognition remains unparalleled, and a fight against a high-level contender like Kayla Harrison would generate massive attention.
Beyond potential matchups, her presence alone could revitalise interest in women’s bantamweight and open doors for new rivalries. Her legacy, combined with renewed passion for training, positions her as more than just a nostalgic figure. She could still be a legitimate competitor if she chooses to return.
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