The combat sports world was sent into a frenzy this week after reports emerged that Ronda Rousey is in talks for a sensational and controversial return—this time in a blockbuster boxing showdown with Irish superstar Katie Taylor. The news dominated headlines on Monday, sparking intense debate among fans who have long wondered whether one of MMA’s most influential figures would ever grace the fight game again.
But the story took an even more intriguing turn just hours later. In a moment that seemed almost too perfectly timed to be coincidence, fellow women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano shared footage of herself hitting pads in the gym with her coach. The post immediately ignited speculation about whether Carano, who hasn’t fought professionally since 2009, could also be eyeing an unlikely comeback.
Carano, nicknamed “Conviction,” last stepped into the cage when she faced Cris Cyborg for the Strikeforce featherweight title. That bout ended in a first-round knockout loss, prompting Carano to walk away from fighting altogether. Her departure, however, was the start of a wildly successful acting career, featuring roles in major productions such as The Mandalorian.
Given her long absence from competition, the timing of her training footage naturally raised eyebrows. Fans questioned whether it was merely a nostalgic moment or a deliberate teaser that she could be considering something bigger—especially now that Rousey is once again back in combat sports conversations.
Why Fans Believe It’s More Than a Coincidence
Carano has always remained connected to the sport in spirit, even though she never fought under the UFC banner despite numerous talks with the promotion over the years. Her near-miss with the UFC became a notable “what if” moment in MMA history—particularly because negotiations once nearly resulted in a blockbuster showdown with Ronda Rousey during their respective primes.
According to Carano, the matchup came dangerously close to happening. She reportedly asked UFC president Dana White for six months to prepare and requested that he refrain from publicising the potential fight during that time. However, White went against her wishes by prematurely marketing the matchup, leading to tension and ultimately the collapse of the deal. As a result, one of the most anticipated fantasy matchmaking scenarios in women’s MMA never materialised.
That history, combined with the sudden resurfacing of both athletes in combat sports discussions, has prompted fans to wonder whether a Carano-Rousey matchup—however unlikely—might somehow be revived. Social media lit up instantly with comments under Carano’s training video.
One fan joked, “No doubt she'd fight Ronda at the White House,” while another noted, “To be honest, her striking looks better than Ronda’s.” Even Cyborg, her former opponent, chimed in with a supportive nod, saying, “Love it! Let me know if you want some help with a camp.”
Would Carano vs Rousey Ever Happen?
It’s a question that’s haunted MMA fans for over a decade. During their primes, Rousey’s judo-based dominance and Carano’s well-rounded striking would have made for an iconic clash of styles. While the window for such a fight has long appeared closed, the landscape of combat sports has changed dramatically in recent years.
Legends have returned after long layoffs. Non-boxers have taken boxing super fights. Exhibition bouts have become common. Celebrities and retired stars are now regularly thrown into crossover matchups that would once have seemed unthinkable.
Given that backdrop, fans aren’t ruling anything out.
Still, the more immediate point of debate surrounds Rousey’s possible return—not Carano’s. And that debate is heated.
Concerns for Rousey’s Health Cast a Shadow on Potential Return
While fight fans have mixed feelings about her crossing into the boxing realm, many are openly critical of the idea of Rousey facing someone as decorated as Katie Taylor. The Irish superstar is widely considered one of the greatest women’s boxers of all time. Meanwhile, Rousey’s UFC tenure was defined by grappling dominance—not elite striking.
Compounding concerns, the former bantamweight champion recently acknowledged ongoing neurological issues. She admitted that she “basically goes blind” when hit with a jab—an alarming revelation for someone considering stepping back into a combat sport where punches are not only expected but central to scoring.
Despite that, rumors linking her to a potential UFC return at a White House-themed event were previously floated and were never fully denied by Dana White.
The Rousey-Taylor matchup, if it materialises, would be a massive commercial draw. But financially lucrative doesn’t necessarily mean advisable. Many fans fear that even a well-trained Rousey would be outmatched by Taylor, turning what could be a high-profile spectacle into a deeply lopsided contest.
The key question remains: Should Ronda Rousey return to combat sports at all?
For many observers, the answer leans toward caution. No payday, they argue, is worth the potential long-term health consequences for an athlete who has already openly discussed significant neurological concerns.
A New Chapter or a Nostalgic Moment?
Carano’s training clip could mean absolutely nothing—or it could mean everything. Whether it was simply a moment of nostalgia, a sign of renewed passion, or a calculated tease is yet to be revealed. What’s clear, though, is that the coincidental timing has reignited curiosity about two icons who shaped women’s MMA during its formative years.
As discussions about their potential returns dominate fan forums and social media feeds, it feels as though a part of MMA’s golden era has reawakened. Whether either woman actually steps back into the ring or cage remains uncertain, but the excitement generated suggests that their legacies still hold considerable pull.
For now, fans can only speculate:
Is Gina Carano preparing for something bigger—or did the stars simply align for a nostalgic training session? And should Ronda Rousey truly risk a comeback?
Only time will tell.
