It has been more than a year since the world has seen Ronda Rousey in action. Her last fight was against Holly Holm at UFC 193 last November, which she lost. That fight broke her winning streak and she went off radar. The big question is, can she win this time?

Since 2012, Ronda Rousey had been the longest reigning women’s bantamweight champion. Her reign came to an end at UFC 193 at the hands of Holly Holm by way of knockout. The knockout suffered at the hands of Holm was the first time she lost in her professional fighting career. She had pulled herself away from the public spotlight after the loss. In an interview with Fox Sports Live, Dana White (UFC president) said that Ronda was rattled by her loss to Holm. He added, “The thing people have to understand about Ronda is she is so competitive. Who likes to lose? Nobody does but she’s like the next level. I think she just wanted time.”

UFC 207: Redeeming “Rowdy” stature back

Ronda Rousey has returned for plausibly the biggest fight of her career. After a year away from the sport, she looks determined to regain the title that she lost. Ronda had defended the title seven times since 2012 before losing to Holm. The women’s bantamweight belt has exchanged hands a few times now. Holly Holm defeated Ronda Rousey to claim the belt at UFC 193. Miesha Tate choked out Holly Holm at UFC 196 to win the title. Finally, Amanda Nunes took the title away from Miesha at UFC 200 by submission.

It might piss off Ronda to see the belt being bounced around like a child’s toy. “Rowdy” has title envy, and she always wanted to retire undefeated. But, that is not possible anymore, so she might come back with a vengeance. This will also be the first time Ronda enters the octagon as a challenger. It will be interesting to see with what mindset Rousey steps into the fight. She won’t be defending her belt this time. This could make her feel a bit of pressure, as she’ll be in another pair of shoes.

Ronda Rousey: I Am Focused

On the Conan O’Brien Show, Ronda Rousey said that she’s focused on making herself happy. Rousey hasn’t approached any dedicated media covering mixed martial arts and it seems she doesn’t want to. “I’ve done a lot of learning this year. The views I get and the money I make doesn’t mean anything for my happiness. I don’t want to spend 12 hours on ESPN and talk (expletive) all day,” Rousey stated.

Looks like Ronda won’t be talking trash about any of her opponents now, but she still got in one jab against the current champion Amanda Nunes. Nunes suggested that she’ll knockout Rousey inside the first round. Rousey replied, “Well, she kind of has to say that because everyone knows she gasses out in the second, so she has to tell herself that.”

Is Rousey Motivated Enough?

Ronda Rousey looks motivated for redemption. She needs her title back. Her fight against Nunes might pave the way for a fight against Holly Holm. This will give Ronda a chance to get her sweet revenge. The championship is most important to Rousey, but she would definitely want a rematch to get even with Holm. The only way to make that possible is to win at UFC 207. Hence, there might be a little more fire in Rousey when she enters the octagon on December 30. Holm knocked out Ronda in spectacular fashion, and this might be the only chance she gets to get back to her. Ronda stated that retirement could be looming just around the corner. She’s not going to leave the sport after her fight with Nunes, but she’ll soon end her career. “I don’t think after this fight. But, definitely soon,” Rousey said.

There’s no room for pressure if Ronda looks to redeem herself, and it seems Ronda is ready as ever. Not a drop of stress appears on her. She has always been a force to be reckoned with and her fight at UFC 207 would be one of the most historical match-ups ever.

Photo: Getty