How Mike Tyson changed Ronda Rousey’s mind about returning to UFC

Ronda Rousey had long shut the door on a UFC return after exiting mixed martial arts with back-to-back defeats. That was, until, Mike Tyson unwittingly changed her mind.

A trailblazer in MMA as she changed Dana White’s mind about permitting female fighters in the UFC, Rousey went on to become one of the most critical fighters for the growth of the organization, and the sport, thanks to her uncanny ability to torture opponent’s limbs with her elite armbar technique.

With victories over the likes of Miesha Tate, Liz Carmouche, and Cat Zingano, among others, Rousey is revered as one of the best to ever do it despite her knockout losses to both Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Rousey always seemed to have closed the door when it came to returning to the Octagon, but after seeing Tyson collect a check for millions of dollars for his eight-round fight against Jake Paul, it appears the 38-year-old is tempted with one final dance.

How Mike Tyson Changed Ronda Rousey’s Mind

Tyson, of course, took part in a boxing exhibition alongside Roy Jones Jr. in 2020 but fought for real in 2024 against Jake Paul for eight rounds. Though he started hard and fast, Tyson’s activity level waned significantly and though it was uncomfortable viewing watching a 59-year-old struggle, he still survived the distance to cash an apparent $20 million.

“Mike Tyson coming back and having the biggest fight last year, it just kind of proves that I don’t think anyone’s ever really done,” Rousey said on The Breakfast Club.

Rousey added: “Comment whatever you want, that’s the most-watched fight of all time, and he was almost 60. That’s how much his legacy means. How much his name means.”

Rousey has been linked to the UFC’s prospective card at The White House in Washington D.C. in June 2026. Boss Dana White has dismissed rumors as they won’t start addressing availability and matches until February. Regardless, it has done little to quash speculation that we could see Jon Jones vs Alex Pereira, and/or the return of Rousey.

“That was really inspiring to me personally to see him do that,” Rousey finished.