In the wake of former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate announcing her return to the octagon, Dana Wight has given his thoughts on the possibility of Ronda Rousey following suit.
Tate announced her decision to retire from MMA in 2016, but has recently confirmed her return after signing a multi-fight contract with UFC. Tate’s first fight back will see her taking on Marion Reneau at UFC 192 on July 17th.
Following the announcement UFC President Dana Wight was asked whether he thought former UFC champion turned WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey would be making her way back to MMA. Wight confirmed that he had spoken to Rousey, but immediately dismissed the suggestion, commenting that Rousey was “absolutely, positively, not coming back ever.”
“Yes. Yesterday. [Spoke to Rousey] But don’t even f***ing start with that you guys. Yesterday, about lots of different things but not this. But yes, we talked yesterday. Absolutely, positively, not ever coming back.”
During her Mixed Martial Arts career Rousey, also a former Bantamweight Champion, famously clashed with Tate on two occasions, winning both contests. Rousey ended her run in UFC following consecutive defeats to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, before turning her attention to WWE.
“Rowdy” Ronda Rousey made her WWE in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34, teaming with Kurt Angle taking on Triple H and his wife Stephanie McMahon. Rousey scored the victory for her team with a trademark arm-bar submission.
“The Baddest Woman On The Planet” would later go on to win the WWE Raw Women’s Championship, losing the belt to Becky Lynch in the WrestleMania 35 main event.
After losing the title, Rousey stepped away from the company.
Ronda Rousey was widely praised for her performances in WWE where she performed at a high level despite a lack of professional wrestling experience. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks recently praised Rousey for her impact on WWE during her time in the company, describing her as humble and willing to learn.