Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey unlikely to fight until next year, UFC president says

  • Rousey underwent minor knee surgery on Wednesday
  • Dana White hints she could fight Miesha Tate in the new year
Ronda Rousey beat Bethe Correia in August last year, but was then upset by Holly Holm in December.
Ronda Rousey beat Bethe Correia in August last year, but was then upset by Holly Holm in December. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Ronda Rousey underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and is unlikely to fight at Madison Square Garden in a historic event in November, according to UFC president Dana White.

“Ronda Rousey, I don’t know,” UFC president Dana White told ESPN on Thursday. “I’m hoping we’re going to get Ronda back this year. She actually just had surgery yesterday on her knee. Nothing serious, just get in there, scope it and clean it out a little bit. She feels great. Her spirits are great. She’s been training.”

Rousey was originally expected to fight at UFC 200 in July, but pushed back her timeline until October and November because of other commitments. But the surgery means her return is looking more like the end of this year or the beginning of next.

“If she fights, I’m hoping she fights in December. If not, then he would probably fight at the New Year show at the beginning of the year,” White noted.

White again said that Rousey will receive an immediate title shot upon her return. “If Miehsa Tate’s still the champion, she’ll fight Miesha Tate. Whoever has the belt is who Ronda Rousey will fight.” Tate became the women’s bantamweight champion after beating Holly Holm on a technical submission in early March.

Rousey was surprisingly beaten by Holm at the end of 2015, and White didn’t rule out a Holm-Rousey rematch.

“Injuries happen in this sport and a fight is made. Somebody falls out and somebody else slides in,” he explained. “I’m not even saying Holly Holm couldn’t be the champion by the time Ronda comes back. So, whoever holds that belt when Ronda’s ready.”