Ronda Rousey Likely Returning In Early 2017

Ronda Rousey (12-1) famously dominated the UFC women’s bantamweight division since its inception, winning six straight bouts by finish before she lost to Holly Holm at UFC 193 by second round knockout. Rousey has not fought since then, and everyone wants to know when she’ll fight again.

Originally, it appeared that the UFC was waiting to have Rousey fight in November at the first UFC event (UFC 205) at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Pro wrestling and MMA insider Dave Meltzer hinted during his recent interview with Submission Radio that Rousey won’t be back until early 2017 and would not be ready for MSG.

“”I talked to one of her friends a couple of weeks ago,” said Meltzer, “and the impression that I got – you know, we don’t usually talk Ronda Rousey business – but I just go, what’s your thoughts? Is Ronda gonna be ready to fight at the garden? And they said, no, probably early 2017. So that was the impression I was given two weeks ago.”

You can listen to the interview here:

Ariel Helwani also noted that she would be back in the octagon, but it would later this year or early 2017.

“Nothing is for certain or set in stone yet, but there continues to be increased optimism regarding Ronda Rousey’s return to fighting. The goal has always been to return in NY but it’s important to remember Rousey had minor knee surgery two months ago. Few months ago the talk was more if not when. That has shifted. November to early 2017 is the talk now, but it’s still very early. Stay tuned.”

Nothing is for certain or set in stone yet, but there continues to be increased optimism regarding Ronda Rousey's return to fighting. …

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 10, 2016

The goal has always been to return in NY but it's important to remember Rousey had minor knee surgery two months ago. Still, …

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 10, 2016

Few mths ago the talk was more if not when. That has shifted. November to early 2017 is the talk now, but it's still very early. Stay tuned.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 10, 2016

Time will tell if she returns at UFC 205 or a later date. Either way, she’s expected to fight Holm or current women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes.