Ronda Rousey’s Comeback Fight

This Saturday, Ronda Rousey is set to return to mixed martial arts after nearly a decade away, and if everything goes according to plan, this might be her final match.

At 39 years old, Rousey, who many consider the greatest female MMA fighter ever, will face Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event is being organized with assistance from Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

“I’m thrilled, and it feels surreal now,” Rousey expressed. “For about a year and a half, I trained quietly. It’s bittersweet knowing it’s coming to an end. This camp has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

Rousey became the first woman to join the UFC in 2018, defending her champion title six times before retiring in 2016 to pursue a full-time career in WWE. Out of her impressive 12-0 record, she lost her last two fights to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Notably, nine of her victories were secured within the first 70 seconds.

Though it’s clear Rousey isn’t at her peak anymore, she mentioned that training this time “didn’t feel hard at all.” She shared, “We focused on enjoying the process rather than just chasing results. Since I switched to prioritizing fun, I’ve been getting better outcomes, both physically and mentally.”

“I used to believe I had to suffer to be my best self. Now, I’ve realized that enjoyment can lead to greatness too. I already know how to push myself. I’ve put in the work before. It’s about creating a good environment, without distractions.”

So, what brought her back to the ring?

“It’s Gina,” she replied. “When I was pregnant, I noticed how she lost her identity and struggled. Then, watching Mike Tyson make a comeback gave me a sense that there’s a significant demand for these kinds of matches. I thought, if we fight amongst ourselves, we could harm not just ourselves but the sport.” Rousey added that Carano initially inspired her to join MMA, and now she’s inspiring her return.

Rousey assured her husband and sister that this fight would indeed be her last. A wave of emotions surrounds her as she prepares to possibly close this chapter after nearly ten years.

“I understand excitement and nerves—they come with striving for greatness. I’m okay with my anxieties; they signify I’m about to do something significant. I often rise to the occasion under pressure, so when I sense that pressure, I lean into it instead of shying away.”

“It’s a bit like a rocket launch sequence,” she said.

While Rousey seeks victory, she expressed her respect for her opponent, stating, “If there’s anyone I wouldn’t mind losing to, it’s Gina. She’s given me so much, and this match feels like a chance to honor her.” She feels an immense sense of gratitude, hoping this fight will give Carano a remarkable comeback story.

But she knows it won’t be easy.

“She’ll have to wrest victory from me because I want to demonstrate the warrior she’s helped shape,” Rousey concluded. “If I win, it would be the greatest tribute I can give her.”