Ronda Rousey is making headlines again, asserting she could decisively defeat Holly Holm in a hypothetical rematch, despite her firm stance on retirement. With a recent return to the ring, Rousey reflects on her past battles and her evolving priorities, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
In a recent interview, Holm, who is gearing up for a lightweight boxing title fight, acknowledged Rousey’s impressive victory over Gina Carano. Holm, who famously handed Rousey her first MMA loss with a stunning knockout in 2015, expressed respect for her former rival but doubted a rematch would ever materialize. “I always said since the minute the last fight was over, I’ll always rematch her,” Holm stated. “But she wanted to come back and have this win and enjoy life. No hate from me.”
Rousey, who recently announced her retirement after her comeback win, insists her focus has shifted to family life. However, she believes her skills have significantly improved since their last encounter. “I think I am a completely different fighter now. I would clean her clock,” Rousey declared on the Up and Adams show, revealing that new medication has helped her overcome previous neurological issues that plagued her career.
The former champion’s journey has been tumultuous. After suffering consecutive knockout losses to Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey stepped away from the sport, later claiming that head injuries contributed to her decision. She credits new medical insights for her improved health, which she believes would lead to a different outcome in a rematch with Holm.
Despite her confidence, Rousey remains adamant about her retirement. “I could have all of those things that you wanted 10 years ago, but I’ve grown and I’m a different person now,” she reflected. “It’s these kids and spending time with them that matter most to me.”
While Rousey is certain she could rewrite the narrative of their first fight, she emphasizes that her priorities have shifted away from the octagon. “It’s not the most important thing in my life anymore,” she said. “I want to be there for my kids.”
As Rousey closes the door on her fighting career, fans can’t help but wonder: could a rematch with Holm ever be on the table, or is this truly the end of an era?
