Will There Be A Ronda Rousey Comeback: Will She Overcome Health Concerns and Return in 2025?

Ronda Rousey’s latest training footage has reignited rumors of a potential UFC comeback. Fans are eager to see the former champion return to the octagon, but Rousey herself has expressed serious concerns about the lasting effects of her past concussions. Will she be able to overcome her doubts and step back into the cage, or has her time as a fighter come to an end?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has witnessed countless comebacks throughout its history. Legends, once retired, have often found their way back into the octagon, driven by a combination of passion, nostalgia, and the lure of unfinished business. Among the most iconic fighters in UFC history is Ronda Rousey. From her explosive debut to her meteoric rise as the first female UFC champion, Rousey captured the hearts of millions. But after a shocking defeat in 2016, she stepped away from MMA, transitioning into a successful WWE career. Now, with her recent return to training, Rousey has sparked speculation about a potential UFC comeback in 2025. But is it possible? And if so, would it be wise?

Ronda Rousey’s Legacy: A Force in MMA

Before diving into the rumors and the potential for a return, it’s essential to take a moment to understand Ronda Rousey’s undeniable impact on the sport of MMA. Rousey didn’t just change the game for women in combat sports; she redefined it. Her signature armbar submission made opponents tremble, and her rapid ascent to UFC stardom proved that she was not just a flash in the pan. With a 12-2 MMA record, Rousey became the face of the UFC’s women’s division, dominating her opponents with a mix of athleticism, precision, and determination.

Her fights, particularly during her undefeated streak, were nothing short of mesmerizing. Fans couldn’t get enough of Ronda’s dominance in the cage. But, as with every great story, there was a twist. After losing to Holly Holm in 2015 and then to Amanda Nunes in 2016, Rousey’s career took an unexpected turn. She decided to walk away from MMA, focusing on other pursuits, including her personal life and wrestling in WWE. For many, this marked the end of one of the most thrilling chapters in UFC history.

The Return to Training: A Glimmer of Hope?

Fast forward to 2025, and Ronda Rousey has once again stirred the MMA world into a frenzy with her recent training footage. In an Instagram post, Rousey shared a video of herself sparring with her former UFC rival Cat Zingano, a moment that quickly went viral. The footage showed Rousey back on the mats, lacing up her gloves, and even engaging in some light grappling. The sight of her engaging in training with Zingano, who she famously defeated in just 14 seconds back in 2015, left fans buzzing with the hope that she might be gearing up for a UFC comeback in 2025.

The excitement was palpable, with fans flooding social media with comments and support. One user wrote, “Go on Ronda, if you can do this, you can make the fight again!” Another suggested, “Making a comeback to the UFC, stay strong and focus!” Even more ambitious fans pitched potential matchups, like a showdown with Kayla Harrison, one of the most talked-about female fighters in the sport.

But while the fans are excited, Ronda herself has been more cautious in her statements. She posted the footage with the caption, “I forgot how fun it could be.” Despite the playful tone, there’s an underlying seriousness in her message. Rousey acknowledged that this training session, which also involved some post-pregnancy workouts, was a refreshing return to the grind. Yet, she remained cautious about the future.

The Concussion Concerns: A Major Roadblock

Ronda Rousey’s potential comeback, while exciting, comes with a significant obstacle: her health. More specifically, the lasting effects of the concussions she suffered during her career. In an interview, Rousey opened up about the toll that years of combat had taken on her brain. “Every couple of years, the same rumor comes out, but it’s not happening. I’m not neurologically fit to compete anymore at the highest level. I just can’t,” she said.

Rousey’s confession is a sobering reminder of the realities that fighters face when it comes to their long-term health. During her MMA career, Rousey admitted to having suffered numerous concussions, sometimes training through the symptoms without even stopping. By the time she reached the peak of her career, she said that she was no longer able to take a jab without experiencing the lingering effects of concussion symptoms.

“I got to a point where I couldn’t take a jab without getting dazed, without getting concussion symptoms. It just got to a point where it wasn’t safe for me to fight anymore,” Rousey shared.

For fighters like Ronda, who have been in the sport for years, the risk of brain injury is always present. The growing concerns around concussions in MMA, especially after some high-profile incidents in the sport, have led many to question whether a MMA comeback after concussions is truly worth the risk. Rousey has been open about this in the past, suggesting that her love for the sport was ultimately outweighed by the need to protect her future well-being.

The Comeback Hopes: Will Rousey Return to the UFC?

So, with all of this in mind, what are the chances of Ronda Rousey making a UFC return in 2025? On the one hand, there’s no denying that the allure of the octagon is strong. The competitive fire that burned brightly in her during her early UFC days might still be there. The idea of reclaiming her title and proving herself against the next generation of fighters could be tempting. But there are real, tangible barriers in her path.

The first, as we’ve discussed, is her health. UFC fighter health and safety are a growing concern, especially after Ronda’s past struggles with concussions. MMA, by nature, is a brutal sport that takes a toll on the body. The mental and physical demands are immense. For someone like Ronda Rousey, who has been in the sport since its early days, the stakes are even higher. Would the risk of further brain injuries, especially after such a decorated career, be worth it?

Another factor is Rousey’s life outside of the cage. Since stepping away from MMA, Rousey has found fulfillment in other areas, including raising a family with her partner, Travis Browne. After giving birth to her second child, the idea of putting herself back into the dangerous world of combat sports seems like a major life decision. Is it fair to put her family and personal well-being at risk just for the thrill of a comeback?

And, of course, there’s the growing influence of WWE in her life. Rousey enjoyed significant success in WWE, bringing her star power to the professional wrestling world. While WWE and UFC have been connected in various ways over the years, Rousey’s WWE career has allowed her to stay in the spotlight without the same physical risks that come with MMA. Could she be content continuing with WWE, or will the call of the octagon prove too strong to resist?

Conclusion: The Future of Ronda Rousey in MMA

Ronda Rousey’s latest training footage has certainly ignited excitement among fans who dream of seeing the former UFC champion return to the octagon. But while the spark is still there, Rousey’s concerns about her health remain a significant obstacle. She has made it clear that her neurological fitness is a major factor in any decision to return, and given her past injuries, the risks of re-entering the world of MMA are considerable.

Ultimately, Ronda Rousey’s future in MMA remains uncertain. Whether or not she returns to the UFC, one thing is clear: Rousey’s legacy in the UFC is secure. Fans can only wait and see if the former champion will overcome her doubts and take one more step into the cage. But, for now, Ronda’s health and happiness with her family might just be her top priority. The story of Ronda Rousey’s UFC comeback may have reached its final chapter—but who knows, maybe there’s a plot twist left to unfold.