Ronda Rousey Won't Fight At The UFC White House Card

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey will not return to the Octagon for the UFC White House card next June. 

The UFC will host the first-ever UFC event at the White House, with several big names indicating their desire to appear on the card. Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are just some of the names being mentioned. The idea is to get a US made champion on the card, something Rousey could offer. Rousey has not been in the UFC since leaving in 2016. This was after two consecutive losses, which came by knockouts to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.

Rousey left the UFC, though, with a massive legacy. She made six bantamweight title defenses, paving the way for the next generation of female fighters. Rousey’s decline in part was because of her history of concussions, something she has been vocal about. Post her UFC career, Rousey joined WWE before leaving in 2023. She has since then had children, which are her primary focus. Although Rousey will never shut the door on a return, the White House event will not be one of those occasions. 

Rousey Reacts

"I am not fighting at the White House. I mean, after Mike Tyson being the biggest fight of the year [vs. Jake Paul], you never say never [on a return]. But I ain’t fighting on the f**king White House. I got better s**t to do… My kid needs pasta," Rousey said 

The most compelling reason this is the right decision is her focus on her personal life and long-term health. A return to fighting at 39 years old, after a long layoff and with a history of head trauma, is an unnecessary risk. However, from a business and career perspective, a return at the White House event is a missed opportunity.

The event, which will be a part of the 250th anniversary of the United States, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any fighter. The event is expected to feature other big names such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, and the media attention would be unprecedented. A return on this card would be a huge financial win for Rousey, and a win would be a way for her to go out on top and erase the memory of her last two losses. Fans were not keen on Rousey returning.

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