Katie Taylor And Ronda Rousey Crossover Bout In The Works
Reports are coming out that a crossover boxing clash between Katie Taylor and Ronda Rousey could take place in Las Vegas next year.
Taylor is the current Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion, having defeated Amanda Serrano in July to retain her title. That capped off their trilogy fight, as Taylor won the rivalry 3-0. Taylor is now 39-years-old, with suggestions that she may retire quite soon. Meanwhile, Rousey has not had a combat sports fight since 2016.
Ronda’s reign as UFC Bantamweight Champion ended after six title defenses, when she was stopped by Holly Holm in 2015 at UFC 193 and then a stoppage loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in 2016. Since her departure from the UFC, Rousey spent time in WWE before leaving in 2023.
Rousey has spent her time focused on motherhood, suggesting that she would not return to fighting. However, Rousey has been posting footage of herself training, hinting that she could return. A fight with Taylor offers her a massive payday, but there are worries that the difference in skillset could harm Rousey.
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“Katie Taylor is inarguably the best current female boxer, maybe the best female boxer of all time. I struggled to think of a mismatch this would be akin to, and I am still struggling. Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor was certainly a closer fight than this would be. Ronda Rousey is not known for her striking ability or her ability to handle punches. And this is something that she herself has alluded to in interviews. There’s talk about what is Ronda Rousey doing. She’s back in shape, she’s training all the time. Is she going to compete again? This is the last thing I would expect her name to pop up in. We’ve got Jake Paul taking on Anthony Joshua soon – I think that’s a closer fight,” Tom Lawlor (Ex-UFC Fighter)
Should It Happen?
Instagram: katie_t86
The primary motivation for this crossover fight is an undeniable financial one. Both athletes stand to earn career-high paydays, especially with reports that Netflix are interested in hosting the event. At 39 and with retirement suggested to be near, Taylor has cemented her legacy. A fight with Rousey offers the ultimate “cash-out” opportunity.
Instagram: rickylundell and rondarousey
Rousey’s transition from MMA to WWE proved her enduring star power. Her involvement guarantees millions of casual viewers, giving women’s boxing a platform and audience size that few other matchups could achieve. Given her significant time away from fighting, an immediate return to the UFC’s elite level would be far riskier than a single, high-profile boxing debut.
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