Ronda Rousey Is Training Again – So When Will She Fight?

Maybe we will see Ronda Rousey fight in 2016 after all.

Somewhat understandably, Rousey has been keeping a low profile since Holly Holm nearly kicked her head off at UFC 193. She finally showed, uh, face by hosting Saturday Night Live last month, but her return to the Octagon has been up in the air ever since she handed over her Bantamweight belt. Besides, with her other obligations – Rousey is focused on her acting career, starting with a remake of Road House – UFC President Dana White wasn’t even sure she still wanted to fight.

That conversation lost some traction this week, though, when Rousey was spotted sparring with her coach, Edmond Tarverdyan, at Glendale Fighting Club in California. While she could’ve started with some private sessions – and maybe she has – it’s worth noting that Ronda chose a very public location for this bit of grappling, and the message she’s sending seems clear: I’m back, bitches.

And that’s good news for anyone hoping to see her take on the winner of Holm vs. Miesha Tate (set for March’s UFC 196). White believes Rousey will be ready for the fight, which he said could take place in November.

This basically fits Rousey’s timeline, too. Due to the injuries she sustained against Holm, she said she wouldn’t be able to eat an apple or take any sort of impact for three-to-six months, meaning she couldn’t start training for any fight until February (hey, that’s now!) Of course, that doesn’t guarantee that she’ll be ready to take on Holm or Tate later this year, but it’s a step – or a jab – in the right direction.