Fans remain split over just how much Ronda Rousey’s striking has improved.
On May 16, Rousey will step back into the cage for the first time since her UFC career ended with a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes.
During her time away from fighting, Rousey spoke openly about concussion issues, which cast serious doubt over any potential return. Still, she’s now booked to face Gina Carano in a bout promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
Rousey and Carano have both been out of action for an extended period, so it’s understandable that fans are questioning what kind of fight to expect. And her recent training videos haven’t done much to ease concerns about how she’ll perform.
Fans split over whether Ronda Rousey’s boxing has improved
Rousey has been regularly posting gym training clips as she gears up for her return against Carano, keeping fans updated throughout her comeback.
On Wednesday, another video went up on Instagram, showing the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion working pads with her coach.
Striking limitations were always a talking point during her MMA career. After being knocked out by Holly Holm in one of the sport’s most memorable upsets, she suffered a similar loss to Nunes just over a year later.
With those results in mind, fans are closely examining how Rousey’s boxing looks ahead of her return.
Many pointed out that some of the same issues from a decade ago still appear to be present.
But not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some felt there were noticeable improvements and that she looked sharper than before.
Why Ronda Rousey’s return isn’t happening in the UFC
Rousey’s return, which will be Carano’s first fight in 17 years, was unexpected. The MMA world didn’t see it coming.
The first question fans had was why Rousey wasn’t returning to the promotion where she set multiple records and enjoyed so much success during her prime.
According to ‘Rowdy’, that was the plan at first. She approached Dana White about fighting Carano, and she said he was initially supportive of the idea.
But talks with her former organization fell through because of a new broadcast deal with Paramount.
According to Rousey, the streaming platform agreement means the UFC is now prioritising cost-effective events over putting together high-profile fights.
A return to Netflix came out of nowhere for both fighters. Both will be returning after long layoffs from professional fighting careers.
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