Combat sports fans have been buzzing for weeks over the possibility of Ronda Rousey stepping out of retirement to face boxing icon Katie Taylor. But UFC CEO Dana White wasted no time setting the record straight — and his response was blunt.
Speaking at the UFC 323 post-fight press conference, White torched rumors that Rousey and Taylor were discussing a mega boxing bout.
“Total bulls*,”** White said, in a tone leaving no room for debate.
Rumors Spread After Report of Talks
Speculation surrounding the matchup began earlier this month when a report claimed initial conversations had taken place between Rousey and Taylor’s team. The timing was odd, considering the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion left MMA in 2016 and later stepped away from pro wrestling as well.
Taylor, however, didn’t slam the door on the idea outright. The undisputed super lightweight champion responded that she was “very open” to the fight — yet it was clear even she wasn’t aware of any negotiations.
That lukewarm response added fuel to the rumor mill, setting social media ablaze.
But White’s dismissal was emphatic and absolute. To him, the matchup never made sense — and the rumors had spiraled far beyond reality.
Dana Praises Ronda, But Says Return Talk Is Overblown
White didn’t just shut down talk of Rousey boxing Taylor. He also made clear that the beloved UFC pioneer isn’t eyeing a return to the cage, either.
When asked if Rousey was in any discussions to re-enter MMA, the response was short:
“No.”
But White took the moment to praise Rousey for her legacy, her impact, and her professionalism.
“I cannot say enough good things about Ronda Rousey,” White said. “When she went to WWE, they called me to ask. I told them, ‘She’ll be the greatest athlete you ever worked with.’ She was great when she was here.”
White’s tone showed genuine admiration — and also a hint of frustration that Rousey’s name keeps getting thrown into wild rumor storms.
Rousey’s Legacy and Why a Comeback Is Unlikely
Rousey’s status as the UFC’s first dominant women’s champion remains unquestioned. At her peak, she was one of the most feared submission specialists the sport had ever seen. But striking ability? That was never her calling card — and that alone made the idea of a boxing match against Taylor questionable.
Add to that her long-standing concerns about concussions, and a comeback becomes even more unrealistic.
Rousey has hinted at retirement being permanent, even though fans speculated about a potential bout at the White House UFC event. Those rumors too ended when Rousey stated she would not return to MMA “no matter how much money” was offered.
Given her family life — she welcomed her second child recently — and her openness about past brain trauma, it’s easy to understand why a combat return would be off the table.
Taylor Moves Forward, Rousey Remains Retired
If anything, the real takeaway from this rumor whirlwind is that Katie Taylor is looking for big crossover fights and huge paydays — but Rousey will not be one of them.
Taylor will continue her boxing legacy. Rousey, meanwhile, remains one of MMA’s most groundbreaking figures — but comfortably retired.
Dana White has spoken. And this time, his message couldn’t be clearer:
Ronda Rousey vs. Katie Taylor was never happening. Not in boxing. Not in MMA. Not now. Not ever
