Could one of the most significant fights in women’s martial arts take place in Las Vegas? According to insiders, it’s possible, with Ronda Rousey potentially making a comeback to the ring. Boxing Scene’s Lance Pugmire reports that Rousey and Katie Taylor are actively negotiating a major bout scheduled for 2026 in Sin City. The fight is being hailed as a clash between two of the most prominent female fighters of this century.
This news arrives months after Rousey resumed MMA training, sparking speculation about her return. Rumors intensified after a public call-out by Cris Cyborg, and now this latest update fuels excitement even more. Rousey hasn’t competed professionally since her 2016 UFC loss to Amanda Nunes. While she has made waves in WWE, she has stayed mostly silent on plans to return to MMA or boxing—until now.
On the other hand, Katie Taylor recently secured a huge victory over Amanda Serrano in July, which garnered impressive attention on Netflix and solidified her legacy. The two-time undisputed champion, now 39, was being honored at the WBC tournament in Thailand and remained noncommittal when asked about her next opponent, stating she is open to any challenge.
Insiders mention that Netflix is very keen to feature this fight as a headline summer event. Given Netflix’s success with the Taylor vs. Serrano fight and Rousey’s broad appeal, the Taylor-Rousey battle is expected to be a standalone main event rather than a co-feature. An anonymous source close to the negotiations confirmed that the fight is being planned as a headline event with Las Vegas already locked in as a possible venue.
Rousey’s striking skills faced criticism during her UFC career, but she dedicated a significant part of her fighting focus to boxing later on. Her former trainer Edmond Tarverdian, who coached her in Glendale, California, helped boost her confidence in striking as she prepared for her last UFC fight.
If the deal proceeds, this fight could become one of the most watched martial arts events in recent years, attracting global fans especially with Netflix’s promotional power. Are you excited to see Rousey face off against Katie Taylor in the boxing ring? Could this be Rousey’s first fight back after a decade? Share your thoughts on whether this matchup should happen or if Rousey should remain retired in the comments.
Fan Take: For WWE fans, Rousey’s potential return is electrifying as it blurs the lines between MMA, boxing, and wrestling, showcasing her versatility and star power. This fight could elevate women’s combat sports to new heights, inspiring a fresh wave of interest and breaking new ground for female fighters worldwide.
