Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm 2: Why 'Rowdy' Won't Run It Back

Ronda Rousey Shuts Down Holly Holm Rematch Talk After Comeback

The combat sports world was set ablaze less than two weeks ago when former UFC sensation Ronda Rousey stepped back into the cage, ending an almost decade-long hiatus with a lightning-fast submission victory over Gina Carano at MVP MMA 1. The dominant 17-second performance immediately ignited a familiar whisper across the fan base: could we finally see the long-awaited rematch against Holly Holm, the fighter who delivered Rousey's first, shocking defeat at UFC 193? While the clamor for a second dance with “The Preacher’s Daughter” reached a fever pitch, Rousey herself has now unequivocally doused those flames, signaling her recent return was a definitive one-and-done.

Holm's Consistent Openness for a Second Bout

Holly Holm, the striking phenom who famously dethroned Rousey for the women's bantamweight title with a devastating head-kick knockout in November 2015, has consistently expressed her willingness to face “Rowdy” again. Speaking on "The Ariel Helwani Show," Holm wasn't surprised by Rousey's swift dispatching of Carano, attributing it to Rousey's undeniable skill. More importantly, she reiterated her standing offer for a rematch, an offer that has been on the table since the moment their first historic encounter concluded.

Holm recounted the immediate aftermath of UFC 193, explaining how the possibility of a rematch was floated, but Rousey remained silent. "I've always been open to a rematch with her since the day the fight was over," Holm stated. "So if she wants to rematch, I'm game anytime." This prolonged silence from Rousey eventually led Holm to continue her own decorated career, facing other top contenders in the women's bantamweight division, rather than waiting indefinitely. She observed that Rousey eventually returned to fight Amanda Nunes over a year later, suffering another defeat before seemingly stepping away for good – until her recent MVP MMA 1 appearance. Despite the passage of time, Holm's position has remained steadfast: she would still welcome a rematch, acknowledging Rousey's recent comeback was likely a singular event.

Rousey's Perspective: No Ghost to Chase

While fans and fellow fighters might yearn for the narrative closure a rematch would provide, Ronda Rousey has made it clear that her motivations lie elsewhere. Following her triumphant return, Rousey emphatically stated that her comeback to face Gina Carano was a solitary affair, a definitive farewell rather than the prelude to a new chapter.

Addressing the specter of her loss to Holly Holm on the "Up & Adams" show, Rousey offered a candid and surprising revelation. "I think I definitely have the ability and the opportunity to be able to clean her clock and re-write all of that," Rousey acknowledged, referring to the infamous UFC 193 defeat. However, she quickly added a crucial caveat: "But it's no longer important to me anymore. It doesn't haunt me. It's not the most important thing in my life." This statement underscores a profound shift in Rousey's priorities, suggesting that the emotional weight of that loss, which once seemed insurmountable, has finally dissipated.

The Final Bell for a Dream Rematch

Ronda Rousey's definitive stance effectively rings the final bell on any lingering hopes for a rematch with Holly Holm. Her recent return was a carefully choreographed, one-off event, likely aimed at personal closure or fulfilling a specific commitment, rather than reigniting her competitive fire for a full-scale comeback tour. While Holm continues to be a formidable presence in the women's bantamweight division, Rousey appears content to leave her combat sports legacy as it stands, unburdened by the desire to avenge past defeats. For fans, this means celebrating Rousey's brief, impactful return for what it was, and turning their attention to the exciting new talent and established veterans who continue to shape the landscape of MMA. The ghost of UFC 193, it seems, no longer holds sway over "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.