Ronda Rousey’s First Fight Back Will Be A Title Shot, Perhaps At Madison Square Garden

Dana White is plotting the comeback of the former UFC queen.

Five months after Ronda Rousey last stepped into the Octagon, we’re getting a little closer to figuring out when she’ll return. 

Appearing on ESPN’s Beadle & Shelburne Show podcast this week, UFC president Dana White said Rousey “definitely is part of the discussion” for the promotion’s November 12 pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden.

It would make sense. The event will be the UFC’s first event in New York after the state’s recent legalization of mixed martial arts. White undoubtedly wants tons of star power on the November card, and few fighters have the draw Rousey does. Make it her comeback fight after a year away from the cage, and UFC fans will be be shitting themselves, in a good way.

Rousey has already said she would “love to have the opportunity to fight” at MSG. She was on hand when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the law allowing MMA in the state. “I’m not a promoter, but boy, if Ronda Rousey fought here in November, that would be a hell of an event,” he said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEMNJdlAO8z

As for who Rousey will fight, that’s becoming a little clearer too. White said Rousey’s first fight back will be for the UFC women’s bantamweight belt, regardless of who owns it. 

In all likelihood, that will be either Miesha Tate, the current title holder, or Amanda Nunes, who’s fighting Tate at UFC 200 in July. White did say that if Tate takes out Nunes easily, she could fight again between UFC 200 and UFC w05 at MSG. 

“She wants to fight. We’ll see what happens. Miesha’s been the No. 2 baddest woman in the world for years so for her to stay active makes sense,” he said.