Could one of the biggest fights in women’s combat sports history be headed to Las Vegas? That’s what insiders are saying—and Ronda Rousey may finally be stepping back into the ring.
According to Boxing Scene’s Lance Pugmire, Ronda Rousey and Katie Taylor are now in active negotiations for a mega-fight that could go down in Sin City in 2026. The report calls it a bout between “the most compelling women’s combat fighters of this century.”
The bombshell comes after months of Rousey being spotted back in MMA training, fueling fan speculation about a possible return. The rumor mill hit overdrive when Cris Cyborg publicly called her out. But now, this latest update is adding real fuel to the fire—and fast.
Rousey hasn’t fought professionally since her 2016 UFC loss to Amanda Nunes. Since then, she made an impact in WWE and stayed relatively quiet about a possible return to MMA or boxing. That silence is now cracking.
Katie Taylor, meanwhile, is coming off a massive July win over Amanda Serrano, a bout that “generated 6 million streams on Netflix” and cemented her legacy. The 39-year-old two-time undisputed champ is currently being honored at the WBC Convention in Thailand, but kept it vague when asked who she wants next:
“I’m not too sure – waiting to see what happens. I’m ready to fight whenever, really, and take on whatever challenge comes next. Right now, I’m waiting to see what that is. Any of the big names, any of the big fights – I’m ready to take on them all.”
Insiders say Netflix is very interested in picking up the fight as a summer headliner. Given the streaming giant’s success with Taylor-Serrano and Rousey’s cross-sport fame, the Taylor-Rousey matchup is being discussed as a full standalone main event—not a co-feature.
An unnamed source close to the talks told Boxing Scene that the fight “is being pursued as its own main event,” with Las Vegas already pegged as the likely location.
While Rousey’s stand-up game was often criticized during her UFC run, she spent her later fighting years focusing heavily on boxing. Her former coach Edmond Tarverdyan trained her in Glendale, California, and Rousey’s confidence in striking reportedly grew leading up to her final UFC bouts.
If this deal gets signed, it could set the stage for one of the most-watched combat sports events in years, especially with Netflix putting its promotional muscle behind it, and fans will be watching from all over the globe.
Are you down to see Rousey throw hands with Katie Taylor in a boxing ring? Could this be the comeback fight of the decade? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know if you think this bout should actually happen—or if Ronda’s better off staying retired.
