We’re at month 10 of Ronda Rousey’s self-imposed exile, and there’s still no indication the face of women’s mixed martial arts is returning to the sport any time soon. Recently, the UFC confirmed that Ronda wouldn’t make it onto the big Madison Square Garden card in November, but at least their interaction left UFC brass feeling like her comeback was a matter of “when” rather than “if.”
All this uncertainty has people wondering where Ronda’s head is at. And during an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, her boyfriend Travis Browne provided some reassurance that it’s screwed firmly onto her body, which is also back in fighting shape, thank you very much.
Spoke to Travis Browne. UFC 203 story next week. FWIW, on Rousey: "Physically and mentally doing great. I feel bad for whoever's next."
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) August 30, 2016
If all goes according to the current plan, that first opponent will be whoever is holding her old women’s bantamweight championship belt. That’s changed hands from Holly Holm to Miesha Tate to Amanda Nunes, and considering Ronda’s return is now being aimed for the UFC’s Super Bowl event in early February, Nunes will probably fight again before then.
Will Nunes manage to become the first 135 pound champ other than Rousey to successfully defend her title? Or will the merry go round of belt holders continue? Fortunately for Ronda, her kryptonite Holly Holm has lost her last two fights and is nowhere near earning another shot at the championship. But perhaps that’s a sign the women’s bantamweight division has upped its game during Rousey’s absence. Here’s hoping Travis is right about her being back on track mentally and physically, or she could be in for a rude awakening when she finally returns.