Dana White on ‘ripped’ Ronda Rousey UFC White House comeback: ‘She’s training again, but …’
Is an epic “Rowdy” return incoming?
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s Bantamweight champion and crossover superstar, Ronda Rousey, is back in the gym — and mixed martial arts (MMA) fans have noticed. The former Olympic Judoka has been sharing training footage on social media over the past few weeks (watch it here), sparking heavy speculation that a long-awaited MMA comeback could finally be in motion.
Since her abrupt retirement in 2017, Rousey has shown zero interest in returning to active combat sports competition, focusing instead on motherhood, acting and her former professional wrestling career. But, according to Ariel Helwani, this might not just be casual training.
“I don’t know if it’s the White House card, but I really think something is happening here,” Helwani said last week. “She seemed so disgusted with MMA, the MMA community and the fans. To now see this and to see her kind of flirting with the idea is something that I never expected, but I do think something’s there.”
Even UFC CEO, Dana White, seems to be softening his stance after vehemently denying rumors of a Rousey comeback.
“Her and I are still very close and we talk,” White told reporters during UFC 320’s post-fight press conference (see it here). “I would say we probably talk once every three months or something like that. She was in Vegas recently, and she came by the offices, but I don’t know what her plans are. I think she’s just training again.”
When pressed if he’d be willing to throw her on the huge upcoming UFC White House card, White was unsure.
“No, I haven’t,” White revealed. “He just had three babies, and she’s in a whole other place in her life. But, I will say this: She’s just had another baby, and she’s in great shape right now. She’s frigging ripped like she used to be. So, I don’t know.”
If there was ever a perfect time for Rousey to return, it’s Spring 2026. With the UFC White House event looming, a new $7.7 billion television rights deal, and the female 135-pound division in desperate need of a spark, a comeback fight — perhaps a one-off trilogy with Miesha Tate — would be a massive draw.
For now, fans can only wonder if “Rowdy” is truly ready to ride again.
