Ronda Rousey isn’t ready to return to the ring.
Rousey hasn’t fought in the octagon since getting knocked out by Holly Holm in November in UFC 193. Speculation has been rampant the former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion would return at UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden, but it appears that’s now off the cards.
Dana White appeared on the UFC Unfiltered podcast, definitively stating Rousey wasn’t going to appear in New York.
“She’s definitely not fighting in New York,” White said. “I’m actually going to start building the New York card this week.”
Rousey’s absence is disappointing.
Her return has been long-awaited. She said in April, “I would love to have the opportunity to fight” in New York. The hiatus means Rousey’s next fight will be at least a year after her infamous bout with Holm. The following options for her next appearance are December matchups in Toronto at UFC 206 and Las Vegas at UFC 207.
There’s plenty reasons Rousey might not be able to fight just yet. It could be mental, physical or overall readiness. Rousey was given impossible expectations to live up to when she was the champion, so it’s not surprising to see her spend some time away from the sport. She’s not done by any stretch of the imagination, but is on a needed break.
It’s a shame she won’t appear in New York. Rousey fighting at MSG would have been epic. Hopefully, like Frank Ocean’s new album, Rousey’s return to the ring is worth the extended wait.
[Uproxx]
