Ronda Rousey: Former UFC champion addresses comeback rumours after training return

Ronda Rousey says no fighter is ever truly retired but has played down speculation she is training to return to the UFC.

The 38-year-old American has released a series of training footage videos on social media recently, prompting rumours she could be planning a comeback.

Rousey is regarded as a trailblazer in women’s MMA, becoming the first UFC bantamweight champion in 2012 and defending her title six times.

But she has not fought since 2016 after losing to Amanda Nunes, revealing last year that concussions hindered the latter part of her career.

“They’re like ‘you look so good’. Because I’m the greatest ever,” Rousey told American radio show The Breakfast Club.

“Of course, this is what happens when I train – I look great. Sorry, I don’t have to have a plan for world domination in mind.

“But Mike Tyson coming back and being the biggest fight of last year just kind of proves that I don’t think anyone’s ever really done.”

Former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson ended his 19-year retirement to return to the ring at the age of 58, losing in a controversial bout with Jake Paul last year.

Rousey, who won judo Olympic bronze for the USA in 2008, dominated after transitioning to MMA when she won 12 of her 14 fights, with every win coming via stoppage.

She later revealed, however, that her aggressive style was a deliberate ploy in an attempt to finish fights early and limit the damage she took to her head.