It’s been almost a decade since Ronda Rousey last graced the Octagon with her presence. The former UFC bantamweight champion, who was once considered unbeatable, walked away from the sport in 2016 after suffering two consecutive knockouts. This not only left her questioning her fighting career but also her overall happiness. However, in a recent interview, Rousey revealed that she almost made a comeback to the UFC, thanks to none other than the legendary Mike Tyson.
Rousey, who has been keeping a low profile since her departure from the UFC, has been exploring other avenues in her life. She has dabbled in professional wrestling, authored a book, and most importantly, embraced motherhood. But the fire to compete still burns within her, and it was reignited when she received a call from Mike Tyson.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Rousey shared how Tyson’s words of wisdom almost convinced her to make a comeback to the UFC. She said, “I was actually kind of inspired by Mike Tyson. I was talking to him and he was like, ‘Why don’t you just fight again?’ I was like, ‘I don’t know if I have it anymore.’ He was like, ‘I think you do. You need to find that fire again.'”
For those who may not know, Tyson is a former heavyweight boxing champion who is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. He has had his fair share of ups and downs in his career, but he always managed to find his way back to the top. His words of encouragement clearly struck a chord with Rousey, who admitted that she was seriously considering a comeback.
But ultimately, Rousey decided against it. She explained, “I was like, ‘I don’t know if I have that in me anymore.’ He was like, ‘I think you do. I think you need to find that fire.’ I was like, ‘I don’t know if I have that fire anymore.'”
It’s understandable that Rousey may have lost some of her passion for fighting after her two devastating losses. However, it’s also clear that she still has a lot of respect and admiration for the sport. In fact, she even admitted that she misses the feeling of being in the Octagon and competing against the best in the world.
But despite her love for the sport, Rousey has found happiness in other aspects of her life. She has found success in the WWE, where she has become one of the biggest stars in the industry. She has also embraced motherhood and has been enjoying spending time with her daughter.
Rousey’s decision to not make a comeback to the UFC may disappoint some of her fans, but it’s important to remember that she has already achieved so much in her career. She was the first female fighter to sign with the UFC and helped pave the way for other women in the sport. She also holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the bantamweight division.
Moreover, Rousey’s legacy in the UFC will always be remembered, and she will forever be known as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. Her impact on the sport cannot be denied, and she will always be an inspiration to many.
In conclusion, Ronda Rousey’s revelation about almost making a comeback to the UFC shows that the fire to compete still burns within her. But at the same time, it also highlights her growth as a person and her ability to find happiness outside of the Octagon. While her fans may have to wait a little longer to see her back in action, one thing is for sure – Rousey will always be a fighter at heart, no matter what path she chooses to take in life.
