Ronda Rousey's return leaked by UFC legend as ex-champion plots stunning comeback

UFC legend Chael Sonnen has dropped a bombshell claim that Ronda Rousey is secretly plotting a jaw-dropping comeback to the octagon - with her sights firmly set on one particular rival.

The former bantamweight queen recently posted some eye-catching training clips, just months after giving birth to her second baby. The footage captured Rousey grappling on the mats and showcasing her world-class judo skills, with the caption: "Martial art nerd s***."

That brief glimpse has sent the MMA world into overdrive, with fans desperate for more action from the 38-year-old superstar. Rousey hasn't stepped foot in the cage since Amanda Nunes brutally knocked her out in the opening round back in 2016 - but with the UFC plotting a spectacular White House event next July, the legendary fighter could be eyeing an incredible comeback.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen spilled the beans on a recent chat he'd had with Rousey about a potential return to action. "Ronda Rousey, going to come back, and fight the winner of [Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison], as long as the winner is Kayla," Sonnen revealed.

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"Now this is a story, and let me tell you what part of this I can confirm. I can confirm the story came from Ronda. In this space, it's always 'Ronda's camp, one of Ronda's people'...I understand those things. But it was. The absolute inner circle of Ronda has let it be known that she will take on the winner of Amanda and Kayla, as long as it's Kayla," reports All Out Fighting.

Sonnen has cast doubt on Rousey's hinted return to the octagon, suggesting her conditions for a comeback are unrealistic. Despite acknowledging the buzz around Rousey's potential fight with Kayla Harrison, Sonnen expressed scepticism about it materialising. He broke down the situation, saying: "So in other words: 'I'll return to fight for the title, if Kayla needs an opponent'...[but] that's not how comebacks go.

"It's an interesting psychology, I don't believe it's going to happen. It is the rumour, though...if the word gets to Kayla that Ronda said that, that could have some hard feelings. Those two know each other, those two worked out together, supposed to have some kind of a bond. And when Kayla finds out, she's going to be half flattered and half p***** off. Ronda versus Kayla, not only will not happen, Ronda Rousey competing at anything at 135 pounds, also not gonna happen."

Harrison, who claimed the women's bantamweight title in June by defeating Julianna Pena, didn't hesitate to call out Amanda Nunes post-victory. Reflecting on her win and the gruelling weight cut, she said: "Me and Julianna prayed for each other afterwards. Only God could get that last pound off me, you have to go to a bad place for that weight cut."

She then set her sights on Nunes, exclaiming: "I see you Amanda! Come on up, this is the next fight," and declared, "This is the greatest of all time, I have belt, she has legacy, let's put it on the table." Nunes, the former two-division champion, didn't hesitate to accept a challenge in the UFC octagon, with commentator Joe Rogan questioning her readiness. Nunes confidently replied: "Yes definitely. We knew this was going to happen. Now, we're going to do it. I'm more than happy to come back and fight you." It seems a bout between the pair is on the cards within the next 12 months, and should Harrison emerge unharmed, it could pave the way for a showdown with Rousey.

Why did Ronda Rousey retire?

Rousey, a trailblazer in MMA, retired from the UFC due to a series of concussions. She hung up her gloves at 29 in 2016 following consecutive knockout defeats by Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. The American discussed her retirement during an Instagram Live session while promoting her memoir, "Our Fight," She explained that her history of concussions from judo played a significant role in her decision to leave MMA. "I'd like people to understand my reasons and motivations behind things," she stated.

"I was forced to leave fighting when I was faster, stronger, more skilled and had a better understanding of the art than ever before. It was a really hard decision to understand, one that my body made for me."