UFC CEO Dana White has delivered a definitive and colourful dismissal of rumours that Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey will face boxing legend Katie Taylor in 2026, labelling the entire report as “total bullsh*t”.
During the UFC 323 post-fight press conference, White was asked about a Boxing Scene report claiming “active negotiations” were underway for the crossover superfight. His response left no room for interpretation.
A Firm Dismissal, But “No Shot” at Rousey
White clarified that his blunt dismissal was aimed at the unfounded rumours, not at Rousey personally, whom he praised effusively. “I personally cannot say enough good things about Ronda Rousey,” White stated, recalling his high recommendation of her to WWE.
He emphasised that any decision to fight again would be Rousey’s alone, but added a firm “no” when asked if she was discussing a UFC comeback.
Why The Fight Was Always a Long Shot
Despite Katie Taylor stating she was “very open” to the bout upon hearing the rumours, several critical factors made the matchup highly implausible from the start.
A Severe and Ongoing Health Concern
Most significantly, earlier in 2025, Rousey revealed she suffers from serious neurological issues linked to concussions and a family history of epilepsy. She described a debilitating symptom where head impacts would trigger migraine events causing temporary blindness, a primary reason for her retirement.
“I would get a jab and I would basically go blind,” Rousey explained, detailing the loss of vision, depth perception, and quick decision-making required to fight. This admission makes a return against an elite boxer like Taylor seem extraordinarily risky.
A Massive Competitive Disparity
The fight was widely viewed as a dangerous mismatch. Rousey, whose MMA dominance was built on elite judo and grappling, had notable striking deficiencies exposed in her final losses. Taylor, in stark contrast, is considered by many the greatest female boxer of all time and the reigning, active undisputed champion.
Rousey’s Life and Career Have Moved On
The 38-year-old Rousey has been retired from combat sports since 2016. She has since stated she is “pretty much” retired from professional wrestling, is focused on her family as a mother of two, and is pursuing careers in writing and film. She previously joked it would take “a billion dollars” to get her back in the UFC octagon.
Origin and Fallout of the Rumours
The rumour gained traction from a single report and was amplified by Rousey’s own social media posts showing her training after the birth of her second child. However, this appears to have been for general fitness.
With White’s authoritative denial and the glaring health and competitive obstacles, the speculated 2026 blockbuster appears to be firmly off the table. For now, Rousey’s legendary fighting career remains in the past tense.
