Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey may face significant challenges in obtaining a license if she opts to participate in the anticipated UFC White House event scheduled for June 2026. Rousey, who has not competed since her retirement in late 2017, revealed a “secret concussion history” that played a crucial role in her departure from combat sports. Her decision to step back from fighting was exacerbated by two major knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.
MMA veteran and analyst Din Thomas expressed strong reservations about Rousey’s potential return to the octagon. He voiced concerns regarding the implications of her past injuries and the responsibilities of fight organizations in ensuring fighter safety. “How irresponsible would it be for a fight organization to hear all that then put her in a fight?” Thomas remarked. He underscored the importance of taking her health history seriously, suggesting that there could be concerns about Rousey’s motivations for discussing her concussion history.
Rousey’s significant contributions to women’s MMA and her remarkable legacy continue to resonate within the sport, and her potential return would undoubtedly spark debates about athlete safety and preparedness in combat sports. As the event date approaches, both fans and analysts will be closely watching how this situation develops and what it might mean for the future of fighter welfare.