Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey engaged in an intense MMA Rules match against her close friend and former training partner, Shayna Baszler. The two competed during WWE SummerSlam on August 5.
The WWE storyline has witnessed Rousey and Baszler in a feud ever since Baszler betrayed the former UFC champion at WWE: Money In The Bank on July 1.
In an impressive display of skill, Baszler secured victory over Rousey through a submission with the Kirifuda Clutch. It is a variation of the RNC.
Despite Rousey’s refusal to tap, the referee intervened to stop the match as she appeared non responsive in the submission. After the bout, Rousey left the ring alone while Baszler celebrated her win.
Shayna Baszler chokes out Ronda Rousey to win the “MMA Rules” match at WWE’s #SummerSlam . #WMMA pic.twitter.com/yU0vJZJfAS
— Women's MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) August 6, 2023
Following the defeat, Rousey’s future with WWE remains uncertain. This has fueled rumors of a possible return to the UFC for her. Her last UFC match ended in a TKO loss to Amanda Nunes, costing her the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship at UFC 207 on December 30, 2016.
After consecutive defeats, Rousey decided to retire from MMA and transitioned to professional wrestling. She made her in-ring WWE debut alongside Kurt Angle in a tag team match against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. The two teams competed at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, 2018.
Although Rousey has undoubtedly thrived in WWE, fans have been curious about the potential for her MMA comeback. After Amanda Nunes retired and vacated the UFC Women’s Bantamweight and Featherweight title at UFC 289 on June 10, speculations regarding Rousey’s return began to circulate.
Prominent figures in the MMA world such as MMA Journalist Ariel Helwani and UFC commentator Jon Anik have expressed their skepticism about Rousey’s return to the bantamweight division. Nevertheless, this has not deterred fans from pondering her future in the sport.
Chelsea Chandler disclosed that she heard whispers of Rousey’s comeback a little while ago.
She said: “Yeah, there really is no bantamweight champion. But I’ve been hearing that Ronda’s coming back. And I heard she’s coming back at [145], so you never know.”
Chandler even expressed her desire to face Rousey if she indeed returns to the UFC. However, Rousey herself has not commented on the possibility of stepping back into the octagon.
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