UFC 300 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in the promotion’s history, taking place on April 13, 2024. With the milestone card fast approaching, speculation has swirled about major returns from past champions like Ronda Rousey to bolster the lineup. However, UFC President Dana White has categorically denied that any calls were made to coax retired stars back for UFC 300. White shot down all the speculations of Rousey’s comeback. 

Is Ronda Rousey’s UFC comeback chances completely dead?

Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey

In an interview with Sportsnet, White shot down rumors of a Ronda Rousey comeback on the historic card, stating bluntly “Ronda’s not coming back.” He also preemptively squashed speculation about former welterweight and heavyweight champs Georges St-Pierre and Brock Lesnar returning, citing their ages of 42 and nearly 50 respectively.

While White was definitive about Rousey not fighting at UFC 300 specifically, he did not explicitly close the door on her ever competing in the UFC again. Rousey has made no public comments about a potential return herself. However, rumors emerged based on her impending exit from WWE with her contract expiring and the UFC women’s bantamweight title lying vacant after Amanda Nunes’ retirement.

A dramatic Hollywood-style comeback story of Rousey recapturing the UFC gold she once dominated certainly seems plausible in theory and could appeal to all parties involved. But White’s firm denial of her fighting at UFC 300 suggests the chances of it happening on this card are slim to none.

Also Read: WWE Elimination Chamber: Ronda Rousey Sports Her ‘Mortal Kombat’ Sonya Blade Gear

What other big names were rumored for UFC 300?

Dana White
Dana White

Along with Rousey, there was speculation that former champions Georges St-Pierre and Brock Lesnar could return. White shot down those rumors as well, citing the age of those fighters as deterrents. Lesnar is nearly 50, while St-Pierre is 42 and has not fought since 2017.

“GSP’s not coming back. Brock Lesnar’s like 45 years old or pushing 50,” White stated.

Despite nixing the return of past champions, White promised UFC 300 will live up to the hype.

“This is just going to be a type of card we’ve never done before. Every fight is a must see fight,” he said.

Also Read: “She’s definitely going to be tough”: Fast and Furious Star Ronda Rousey Claims Infant Daughter is Tough as Nails, Doesn’t Feel Pain

Ronda Rousey's comeback
Ronda Rousey’s potential comeback

One title fight is already booked between Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan. More championship bouts are expected to be added. The card currently includes seven former champions, demonstrating its depth. White teased more “marquee bouts” to come. UFC 300 marks a milestone event taking place on April 13, 2024. As the promotion’s biggest show yet, the card needs to deliver – even without Rousey or other major returns.

Ronda Rousey originally rose to fame by pioneering women’s MMA in the UFC after medaling in judo at the Olympics. Her dominant armbar submission defined her early UFC career, as she stormed through the bantamweight division to claim the title. But back-to-back KO losses in 2016 prompted her exit from MMA. She found success in WWE before her contract expired, fueling speculation that she could make a UFC return with the title now vacant.

Also Read: Becky Lynch Defeats Charlotte Flair via An Unexpected Ronda Rousey Interference

For now, however, White has poured cold water on the idea of a Rousey comeback. UFC 300 will apparently move forward with the current roster of athletes hungry to cement their own legacies on MMA’s biggest stage.

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