There are a lot of rumors and speculations surrounding the return of Ronda Rousey to the UFC. The pioneer of UFC’s women’s MMA left the promotion in 2018 after an illustrious career. Recently, talks have surfaced that the former champion is eyeing a UFC return. While many are excited about ‘Rowdy’ leaving the ring to return to the cage, bantamweight star Chelsea Chandler is not.
Chandler will make her UFC return after nine months to fight Norma Dumont at UFC Vegas 77. She recently made a media day appearance and was hit with the question of Ronda Rousey’s return.
Chelsea Chandler ready to welcome Ronda Rousey back to the UFC
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The 33-year-old fighter claims to be aware of the speculations surrounding the return of ‘The Baddest Woman on the Planet’. Furthermore, she claims that Rousey could return to fight in the featherweight division. Chandler said, “I’ve been hearing that Ronda is coming back and I mean, I heard she’s coming back at ’45.”
Chandler is currently focused on her upcoming fight against Norma Dumont. If Chandler succeeds in defeating Dumont in the way she wants to, she might be up for a fight against Ronda Rousey. Chandler added, “It’s really up there [fighting Rousey]… if I go out there and put on the performance I plan on putting. I’ll welcome her to the 45′ and I think it’d be a great fight.”
Chandler’s remarks on Ronda Rousey’s return did not stop there. She went a step further and took an overt dig at the former UFC and Strikeforce champion.
Chandler claims the UFC has gone past the ‘one-trick pony’
Chelsea Chandler mentioned how it has been a long time since Ronda Rousey left the UFC. She mentioned how the women’s division has evolved over the years, and Rousey having only her signature armbar won’t be enough to win a fight. Chandler stated, “It has been a long time for her and things change. People get better and I think people are over her one-trick pony armbar.”
Although Chelsea Chandler wasn’t thrilled to hear about Rousey’s potential return, she doesn’t mind the eyes the UFC Hall of Famer will bring to the promotion once again. Moreover, she also believes that Rousey’s time in WWE is coming to an end. Chandler added, “But money talks and she’d bring eyes to the sport again and I think her time in WWE is starting to go down. So I’d like to see it [her return].”
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Ronda Rousey is currently feuding with former tag team partner Shayna Baszler in the WWE. Hence, it might be a while before she steps back inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, some people are not too happy to hear about her return.
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At 36 years of age, will Rousey have anything left to offer to the sport of MMA? What are your thoughts on Ronda Rousey’s potential return? Drop your comments below.
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