Ronda Rousey reportedly in ‘active’ fight negotiations, but not for UFC
Image: WWE
In a twist few saw coming, Ronda Rousey is reportedly in talks to return to the combat sports world, but not in the Octagon or wrestling ring.
Instead, Rousey’s return could be as a boxer.
Boxing Scene’s Lance Pugmire reported Monday that Rousey and two-time undisputed women’s World Champion Katie Taylor are in “active” negotiations for a 2026 fight in Las Vegas. No other details were provided other than a source noted Netflix — the same outlet that aired a rematch between Taylor and rival Amanda Serrano — is interested.
Rousey hasn’t fought professionally since getting knocked out in 48 seconds by all-timer Amanda Nunes in December 2016 that was preceded by a second round knockout loss to Holly Holm in November 2015. Rumors grew this year that she could return to UFC for a special fight after footage was released of her in training.
While she has never boxed professionally and lost violently in her last two MMA fights that were nearly a decade ago, Pugmire writes:
“Although she won many of her UFC bouts by armbar submission, Rousey was schooled heavily in boxing by then-coach Edmond Tarverdyan in Glendale, California, and her confidence in fighting from the stand-up stance increased into her final bouts.”
The 38-year-old jumped to WWE in 2018 starting at WrestleMania 34, departing in April 2019 after WrestleMania 35. She returned for a maligned run in January 2022, departing for a second time in August 2023. She made her indie debut in October 2023 and wrestled two matches before making a surprise appearance for Ring of Honor in November 2023.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.