Despite Amanda Nunes‘ retirement from UFC, Holly Holm squashes speculation about a potential return of Ronda Rousey to regain the bantamweight title, urging fans to respect Rousey’s decision to focus on her professional wrestling career and her newfound role as a mother.
Amanda Nunes may no longer be in the picture, yet this does not automatically open the gateway for a Ronda Rousey comeback. Post her retirement from MMA subsequent to a significant victory at UFC 289, speculation arose in certain corners about a possible return of Rousey with the aim of reclaiming the bantamweight title that she had defended six times in the past. Having suffered a defeat against Nunes, Rousey had retired from fighting and is presently enjoying her professional wrestling career in WWE, where she continues to be a major crowd-puller.
Holly Holm, known for marking the end of Rousey’s championship tenure with one of UFC’s most celebrated headkicks, was quick to rubbish all such speculations about Rousey’s comeback. Instead, she appeals to everyone to allow Rousey the peace and joy in her newfound profession as she moves on from her fighting career. Holm states, “She’s doing her thing. Let her live. Obviously she’s not passionate about fighting anymore. Let her do her thing. She’s still active. She’s still living her life. She’s still doing her thing. Let her do it.”
The sudden interest in Rousey’s comeback isn’t unexpected given her superstar status before her defeats against Holm and Nunes and prior to her successful transition into pro wrestling. However, Rousey hasn’t given any indications that she aims to compete again, especially now since she is a mother with a favorable timetable at WWE that offers her considerable time to be at home with her family. Holm opines, “I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s just fans want it so bad that they’re just wishing it to come true,” and adds that Rousey seems to be happier now than she was while fighting.
During her rather brief three-year UFC career, Rousey emerged as a massive crowd favorite, only second to Conor McGregor. Though she was later inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, she remains physically active with her current wrestling career in WWE. Although UFC will soon establish a business partnership with WWE, this doesn’t necessarily mean a Rousey comeback. Holm further shares her outlook stating, “You have to physically want to be there. You have to mentally want to be there. You have to emotionally want to be there. There’s a lot. One fight camp, you go through everything”.