Skip to content

Ronda Rousey to return against UFC champion Amanda Nunes

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 31: UFC Strawweight Champion Ronda Rousey of the United States steps onto the scale during the UFC 190 Rousey v Correia weigh
Image: UFC star Ronda Rousey will return to challenge for her old title

Ronda Rousey will return to the Octagon to take on UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in Las Vegas on December 30.

The American MMA star has not fought since losing her 135lb title to Holly Holm in a devastating second-round knockout in November.

Holly Holm of the US (R) lands a kick to the neck to knock out compatriot Ronda Rousey and win the UFC title fight in Melbourne on November 15, 2015.   RES
Image: Holly Holm connects with a roundhouse kick to upset UFC champion Rousey in Melbourne

Rousey's reign of 1,074 days was brought to a shuddering halt when Australian underdog Holm floored her with a spectacular head-kick.

"Ronda's back!!! Nunes vs Rousey Friday Dec 30 on PPV!!!!! #UFC207," confirmed UFC president Dana White on Twitter.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 01:  Martial artist Ronda Rousey attends Universal Pictures' "Furious 7" premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 1, 2015 in Hollywoo
Image: Rousey on the red carpet for the premier of "Furious 7"

'Rowdy', who is one of UFC's biggest stars, has also successfully carved out a career on the big screen, appearing in feature films "Entourage" and "Fast & Furious 7".

Watch NOW TV
Watch NOW TV

Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.

However, she has kept a low profile since her run of 12 straight wins was ended by Holm and in the wake of her defeat admitted on an American TV show to having suicidal thoughts.

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 5:  Miesha Tate celebrates after defeating UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm during UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March
Image: Miesha Tate celebrates after defeating dethroning Holly Holm during UFC 196 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena

Miesha Tate relieved Holm of the title in her first defence with a fifth-round submission in March, but Tate then lost the crown to Nunes via a rear naked choke in July.

Also See:

The Brazilian (13-4), who has four straight wins in UFC, three via a stoppage, has been targeting a showdown with Rousey since the summer.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Amanda Nunes punches Miesha Tate (R) during the UFC 200 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 9, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rey
Image: Amanda Nunes punches Tate during UFC 200

"I look for the biggest fight of my career right now," The Lioness told UFC Tonight in August.

"I think the only one is Ronda Rousey. I hope she can come back and we can do this and make all the fans happy."

You can watch Liverpool v Man Utd, plus England's tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price!

Around Sky