So, what has she missed?
Since Ronda Rousey last fought in the UFC almost a year ago she has seen the bantamweight belt she called her own for a year and a half passed around like a hot potato.
Defeated by Holly Holm at UFC 193, Rousey has had to sit back and recuperate while Holm, and Holm’s vanquisher Miesha Tate, have failed in their first title defences. The belt currently resides with Amanda Nunes, who defeated Tate by first round submission at UFC 200 back in July.
Rousey (12-1) is targeting an end of year return to the Octagon, possibly at UFC 206 in Toronto on December 10th, but more likely UFC 207 in Las Vegas on December 30th.
Obviously ‘Rowdy’ has her eye on a title bout against Brazilian Nunes (13-4), with her coach Edmond Tarverdyan telling ESPN that the 29-year-old’s recovery from minor knee surgery is progressing well – promising “the best Ronda Rousey that anyone has ever seen”.
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Earlier this week Dana White said there was a “great chance” Rousey would return this year and how glad the UFC boss would be to see the former Olympian back in the Octagon.
Rousey’s three fights in 2015 sold an incredible 2.6m pay-per-views, making her the second biggest draw in the promotion after Conor McGregor, so Tarverdyan’s words will be music to White’s ears.
“There have been talks about her coming back, but we haven’t made a final decision yet,” he said. “There’s a chance she fights to get her belt back this year, but nothing is set yet. If we do make a comeback this year, we will. If not we will make it next year. We want to thank all our fans for being patient.
“When she does come back, we promise the best Ronda Rousey that anyone has ever seen. “
Should Rousey return stronger than ever, it is possible we will see the bantamweight strap change hands for the fourth time in as many title fights.
