Ronda Rousey’s potential return to combat sports has sparked major debate — especially after reports that she could face Irish boxing great Katie Taylor in a 2026 boxing bout. Though many anticipated any comeback would occur in MMA, the former UFC bantamweight champion instead appears to be pursuing boxing, despite having not fought since her knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016.
Taylor, regarded as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, is a former undisputed lightweight champion and current unified super-lightweight titleholder. Given Rousey’s past striking weaknesses, fans and analysts have raised concerns about the proposed matchup.
Among them was UFC legend Eddie Alvarez, who reacted with visible shock when informed of the rumoured fight live on The Bohnfire podcast.
“That’s a terrible idea for Ronda,” Alvarez said. “Her hands were never good in MMA. I can’t imagine she thinks she’ll beat Katie Taylor in a boxing match.”
He compared the scenario to asking Taylor to compete in judo against Rousey — an uneven contest in the opposite direction.
Concerns extend beyond skill differences. Earlier this year, Rousey revealed she suffers from neurological issues caused by head trauma, including loss of vision upon impact and difficulty making quick decisions — symptoms she says forced her retirement.
Despite this, boxing comebacks by aging stars have been approved before, leading many to worry that this fight — reportedly tied to Netflix involvement — could be sanctioned for spectacle rather than athlete safety.
If confirmed, the matchup would be one of the most controversial returns in recent combat sports memory, raising questions about medical ethics, matchmaking logic and the motivations behind high-profile comeback bouts.
