Ariel Helwani Thinks Ronda Rousey’s MMA Training Videos Could Signal a Real Comeback

Ronda Rousey’s Instagram posts showing her return to MMA training have set off a firestorm of speculation, and veteran combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani thinks it’s not just a nostalgia trip.

During the latest episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani addressed fan questions about Rousey’s recent string of training clips and whether they point to something bigger.

While answering a question about Rousey’s videos, one fan theorized that she might even be prepping for a major fight against current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison, possibly at UFC’s rumored White House special event in June 2026. Helwani didn’t shy away from addressing the possibility.

“I don’t know if it’s the White House card,” Helwani responded. “But I really think something is happening here.”

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Helwani went on to explain that Rousey’s situation feels different now, noting that she once seemed completely done with MMA.

“I don’t think this is just … is she testing the waters? Sure,” he said. “I think there is interest, and I’ll also say this: I never thought it would happen. She seemed so disgusted with MMA. The MMA community and the fans.”

He wrapped up by admitting that even he’s surprised by her renewed energy for the sport, and while a fight isn’t confirmed, he thinks something is definitely brewing.

“To now see this and to see her kind of flirting with the idea is something that I never expected, but I do think something’s there. What does that translate into? Does it actually translate into a fight? I don’t know.”

While Rousey hasn’t made any formal announcements, her recent activity caught the attention of one of the sport’s most dominant legends—Cris Cyborg. After seeing Rousey’s training clips, Cyborg wasted no time making her intentions known, posting a direct challenge to X/Twitter.

“CyborgXRonda” she wrote, suggesting that the long-discussed dream fight might finally be back on the table.

A Rousey vs. Cyborg fight has been teased and debated for nearly a decade but never came together during their UFC runs. Now, with Rousey possibly returning to the mat eight years after walking away from MMA—and just eight months postpartum—it may finally be possible.

Helwani’s comments make it clear this isn’t just about Rousey posting workout videos—something has shifted. Whether that leads to an MMA return, a showdown with Kayla Harrison, or finally facing Cris Cyborg, it’s enough to get fight fans talking.