Demetrious Johnson asserted that in his current look in Ariel Helwani, Ronda Rousey might return to the UFC and obtain success within the girls’s bantamweight division.
“I believe she’ll be high quality as soon as she comes again. Within the girls’s bantamweight division, I do not really feel {that a} era has actually overcome her ability set.
Ronda Rousey at UFC
Rousey retired from combined martial arts after struggling consecutive knockout losses to Holly Holm in 2015 and Amanda Nunes in 2016. Throughout her prime, she gained the UFC Girls’s Bantamweight title, defending her six occasions, and the struggle grew to become a crossover star who discovered the pay-per-view headline. After shifting away from the competitors, she centered on appearing and wrestling, suggesting a potential return for a number of years.
Johnson’s evaluation is predicated on Rousey’s primary capabilities. She developed world-class judo abilities on her option to the Olympic medal in 2008, translating these throws and clinchwork into MMA submission victory. Even after almost a decade away from the game, her takedown recreation and floor management stays a menace that opponents can nearly match.
At the moment, the ladies’s bantamweight division is centered round Kayla Harrison, who gained the title in 2025 and boasts a 19-1 file. Former champion Julianna Penha is sitting within the primary contender, adopted by Raquel Pennington, Ketren Vieira and Norma Dumont within the high 5. Now retired, Amanda Nunes stays the one athlete who has constantly neutralised Rousey’s judo with a fusion of pace, energy and strike.
Johnson highlights this matchup as a key impediment. He is an opponent who can cease Rousey’s takedown and preserve the struggle going. The distinction of that type is essential. Rousey’s victory usually got here as quickly as she secured clinching and journey, however the fighter with a powerful and spectacular protection expanded her to later rounds.
Monetary pursuits are additionally essential. Rousey was the very best paid athlete in UFC historical past at her departure, discovering a number of occasions and producing file purchases. Comeback matches towards high candidates and fellow veterans can appeal to key viewers, particularly when bought as marquee return. Johnson famous that recognition of Rousey’s title alone would guarantee a considerable wage.
The timing stays unsure. Rousey signed a contract with WWE in early 2026, which might have an effect on UFC standing. If her settlement was permitted, she might negotiate a struggle with the UFC or pursue particular occasions on one other platform in addition to crossover boxing matches. Each passes will rely upon contractual particulars and Rousey’s coaching preparation.
Ronda Rousey hints at returning to MMA competitors by way of her current social media actions. In September, she shared footage of herself – attacking once more eight weeks after giving start and eight months after giving start.
Rousey publicly dismissed the thought of preventing with the UFC White Home card, however she stopped eliminating different UFC returns. Her publish rekindled hypothesis that she might use a judo-based floor recreation if she selected to barter a comeback match. Whether or not these bullying results in an official battle announcement will depend on her WWE dedication, willingness to face up to full coaching camp, and the matchmaking curiosity in staging the well-known UFC returns.
However Johnson is assured. He emphasised that the present group of bantamweight athletes does not exceed Rousey’s core ability set and may regain their type with intensive preparation and good matchmaking. A single well-known match can rekindle income, present monetary boosts, and reestablish Rousey as a aggressive edge within the division.
