Amanda Nunes' retirement has had a profound impact on the landscape of women's MMA. With her departure, her previous opponents found themselves revitalized, their spirits rejuvenated by the newfound absence of the dominant champion. Freed from Nunes' shadow, these fighters now see an open path to pursue championship glory and claim the spotlight for themselves. The sudden void created by Nunes' retirement has injected a renewed sense of hope and ambition into the veterans of the Bantamweight division, who are eager to seize the opportunity and showcase their skills on the grand stage of the sport.
However, amidst the excitement and renewed prospects in the Bantamweight division, the remaining fighters in the Featherweight division face a different reality. With Nunes' departure, the future of the division hangs in uncertainty, as its viability comes under question. The likely dissolution of the Featherweight division looms, leaving its competitors to grapple with the uncertainty of their fighting futures. As they prepare for an inevitable transition, these fighters must adapt and contemplate their next steps, whether it's moving to a different weight class or seeking new opportunities outside of the UFC. The landscape of women's MMA continues to evolve in the wake of Amanda Nunes' retirement, creating both opportunities and challenges for the fighters involved.
In a surprising turn of events, the potential return of Ronda Rousey has emerged as a possibility. Despite the presence of Holly Holm, who is headlining this weekend's fight against Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC Vegas 77, Rousey's retirement was triggered by a devastating knockout at the hands of the fierce Brazilian fighter. With the absence of the dominant Brazilian reigning over multiple weight divisions, a golden opportunity has presented itself for Rousey, the immensely popular former champion, to potentially pursue titles in two divisions.
Speculations gained momentum, fueled by remarks from various fighters in the media during the week. However, it is now necessary to extinguish this improbable tale with a dose of reality. According to a report by MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani, Ronda Rousey has no intention whatsoever of making a comeback to the Octagon.
It comes as no surprise considering Rousey's current involvement in professional wrestling, where she has been seen facing off against formidable opponents like Marshawn Lynch. Additionally, the 36-year-old Olympic athlete had already been grappling with significant injuries prior to her retirement in 2016.
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