Demetrious Johnson affirmed throughout his latest look on The Ariel Helwani Present that Ronda Rousey might return to the UFC and discover success within the girls’s bantamweight division.
“If she comes again I believe she’ll be positive. Within the girls’s bantamweight division I don’t really feel just like the technology has actually moved previous her ability set. I believe the one fault she might have is somebody very athletic like Amanda Nunes. And someone who is aware of easy methods to counter her judo… I believe she might come again and make some huge cash,” Johnson stated.
Ronda Rousey Within the UFC
Rousey retired from combined martial arts after struggling back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm in 2015 and Amanda Nunes in 2016, bouts that ended her unprecedented 12-fight successful streak. Throughout her prime she captured the UFC girls’s bantamweight title, defended it six instances, and have become a crossover star whose fights headlined pay-per-views. After stepping away from competitors, she targeted on appearing and wrestling, however has hinted at a potential return for a number of years.
Johnson’s evaluation rests on Rousey’s foundational talents. She developed world-class judo expertise on her method to an Olympic medal in 2008, then translated these throws and clinch work into MMA submission wins. Even after almost a decade away from the game, her takedown sport and floor management stay threats few opponents can match.
At current the ladies’s bantamweight division facilities on Kayla Harrison, who claimed the title in 2025 and boasts an 19-1 report. Former champion Julianna Peña sits at primary contender, adopted by Raquel Pennington, Ketlen Vieira and Norma Dumont within the prime 5. Amanda Nunes, now retired, stays the one athlete lately whose mix of pace, energy and placing has constantly neutralized Rousey’s judo.
Johnson highlighted this matchup as the key obstacle: an opponent capable of stopping Rousey’s takedowns and keeping the fight standing. That style contrast is crucial; Rousey’s wins often came quickly once she secured a clinch or trip, whereas fighters with strong striking defenses have extended her to later rounds.
The financial stakes are also significant. Rousey was the highest-paid athlete in UFC history at the time of her departure, headlining multiple events and generating record buys. A comeback bout against a top contender or fellow veteran could draw major viewership, especially if marketed as a marquee return. Johnson noted that Rousey’s name recognition alone would ensure substantial paydays.
Timing remains uncertain. Rousey is under contract with WWE through early 2026, which may affect her UFC status. If her agreement allows, she could negotiate a fight with the UFC or pursue a special event on another platform, similar to crossover boxing matches. Either path would depend on contractual details and Rousey’s training readiness.
Ronda Rousey has been hinting at a return to MMA competition through her recent social-media activity. In September she shared footage of herself retraining – first placing eight weeks after giving delivery after which once more eight months postpartum – accompanied by the caption, “From 8 weeks after having a child and eight years of stepping away from MMA to eight months postpartum and discovering my love for it once more… I really feel like I’ve a lot left to develop, and with out the burden of the world on my shoulders, nothing is holding me again.”
Whereas Rousey has publicly dismissed the thought of preventing on the UFC White Home card, she stopped in need of ruling out different UFC returns. Her posts have reignited hypothesis that she might capitalize on her judo-based floor sport – nonetheless a risk to many within the bantamweight division – if she chooses to barter a comeback bout. Whether or not these teases result in a proper combat announcement will rely upon her WWE commitments, her willingness to endure a full coaching camp, and the UFC’s matchmaking curiosity in staging a high-profile return.
But Johnson stays assured. He confused that the present group of bantamweight athletes has not surpassed Rousey’s core ability set and that she might recapture her kind with targeted preparation and sensible matchmaking. A single high-profile bout might reignite curiosity, ship a monetary increase, and reestablish Rousey as a aggressive power within the division.
