Ronda Rousey UFC return rumours gather pace as potential opponent makes weight class claim

Ronda Rousey is set to return to the UFC at a new weight, according to Chelsea Chandler who is hoping to be her comeback opponent.

‘Rowdy’ was recently backed to make a sensational return to fighting by UFC commentator Jon Anik following the retirement of dual-weight champion Amanda Nunes.

Rousey is one of MMA’s biggest legendsCredit: Getty

Since then, Rousey has made a name for herself in professional wrestling, but it’s believed she is planning to end her WWE run before April 2024.

Wrestling insider Dave Meltzer recently reported: “The deal is that Ronda has a hard out. She gave a date, ‘This is my last date.’

“Cause I remember talking to somebody there and it’s like, ‘I know they’re going to do this, and I guess, make the big match for WrestleMania.’ And it’s like, ‘No, her hard out is…’ – they didn’t give me the date but it’s long before WrestleMania.”

Now, Chandler has suggested Rousey’s next destination will be the UFC featherweight division where she is set to face Norma Dumont this weekend.

“I’ve been hearing Ronda is coming back,” Chandler said at the UFC Vegas 77 media day on Wednesday.

“I’ve heard she’s coming back at 145. You never know. If I go out there and put on the performance, I plan on putting on, I’ll welcome her to 145. I think it would be a great fight.

“It has been a long time for her, and things change, people get better, and I think people are on to her one-trick-pony armbar. Money talks, and she would bring eyes to the sport again.

‘Rowdy’ is now a WWE starCredit: WWE

Chandler believes Rousey will return to MMA as a featherweightCredit: @chelseachand209 – instagram
“I feel like her time in WWE is starting to go down, so I’d like to see it.”

At the peak of her powers, Rousey was the biggest star in MMA.

The 36-year-old won belts in Strikeforce and the UFC and finished her first 12 opponents during a legendary run that changed the face of the sport.

Dana White famously said women will never fight in the UFC before he saw Rousey who changed his mind – now female fights are a part of every UFC event.

With Conor McGregor’s future in limbo and Nunes exiting the sport, White will surely be delighted to welcome a true MMA superstar back to his promotion.

Rousey is yet to address mounting speculation about her potential UFC comeback.