Rousey’s Current Path:
Having recently graced the WWE’s SummerSlam event, Ronda Rousey seems to be on a trajectory towards lesser commitments with the WWE, according to an insider source who spoke to the Daily Mail. The ultimate goal? Rousey might be setting her sights on one final showdown at UFC 300.

Top Contenders for Rousey’s Return Match:
The betting sphere is already abuzz with predictions. Leading oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag have earmarked former 135-pound titleholder Julianna Pena, also known as the “Venezuelan Vixen”, as a prime contender—possibly due to the past verbal confrontations between the two fighters. Here’s a look at the odds for Rousey’s potential opponents:

• Julianna Pena: 5/4 (+125)
• Raquel Pennington: 3/1 (+300)
• Macy Chiasson: 4/1 (+400)
• Holly Holm: 5/1 (+500)
• Norma Dumont: 6/1 (+600)
• Chelsea Chandler: 8/1 (+800)
• Irene Aldana: 10/1 (+1000)

It’s crucial to note the bantamweight division currently lacks a reigning champion.

Rousey’s Legacy in UFC:
At 36, Rousey opted to leave the UFC after two consecutive knockout losses, specifically to Holly Holm (UFC 193) and Amanda Nunes (UFC 207). She shared a brief, intense rivalry with Pena in the years 2021 and 2022, culminating in her retirement post a double championship win in June.

Interestingly, Miesha Tate, Rousey’s long-term adversary, isn’t featured on the list of potential opponents. Tracing Rousey’s beginnings, she clinched a bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics, marking her as the first American woman to secure an Olympic medal in judo. Her MMA journey commenced with King of the Cage in 2011, swiftly moving to Strikeforce and eventually to UFC. With a record of most UFC title defenses by a female (6), her reign was surpassed only by Valentina Shevchenko in 2022. Rousey bid adieu to MMA in 2016, sealing her legacy with an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Stay tuned for further updates on Ronda Rousey’s potential UFC 300 appearance.

The post Ronda Rousey’s Potential UFC Return: What We Know So Far appeared first on unleashed mma.

While the prestige of being featured on the Sports Illustrated cover may be debated in the digital media age, celebrity boxer Jake Paul has nonetheless earned the sought-after spot. This accolade comes in anticipation of his forthcoming “sweet science” bout in August against former UFC fighter Nate Diaz.

Criticism from Boxing Purists

The decision to spotlight Paul has sparked discontent among boxing purists. Critics argue that Paul has transformed the sport into a “circus sideshow,” distancing it from its traditional roots. The detractors seem to overlook the similar situation when Ronda Rousey, a former MMA fighter, graced the cover of Ring Magazine before being knocked out by a boxing champion.

Paul Among the Top 50 Influential Sports Figures

Further solidifying his influence in sports, Paul, 26, has been named one of the “50 Most Influential Figures in Sports.” This list also features UFC President Dana White, despite their contentious relationship frequently making headlines in the past year.

Absence of Conor McGregor

Interestingly, the rapidly fading star, Conor McGregor, does not appear anywhere on the influential figures list. This omission is noteworthy, given his previous status within the world of combat sports.

The post Jake Paul’s Stunning Rise: Snags Sports Illustrated Cover and Sparks Major Controversy! appeared first on unleashed mma.