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Dana White Hopes Ronda Rousey Returns This Year, but Sounds Uncertain

Ronda Rousey Releases Statement on Her UFC Future

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey took women’s fighting over the mountain of public reluctance into the fertile valley of mainstream acceptance.

Since her first career loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November, Rousey has been largely absent from the public eye. She’s done a few television-show interviews, but her public appearances have dwindled compared when she was champion.

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“From when I decided to bring women in the UFC, no fighter has worked harder than Ronda Rousey over the last three years, other than probably Conor McGregor,” said UFC president Dana White to the Dan Patrick Show. “She deserves the time off.”

“Rowdy” was expected to return to action sometime this year, with most eyes focused on UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden in November, but that may not be the case.

“I’d really like for her to fight this year. I hope she does,” said White.

“That’s up to Ronda. Ronda’s going to come out and let us know when she’s ready to fight again.”

Rousey’s return is up to Ronda, but there’s a possibility that it won’t be in 2016.

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