Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey has firmly rejected any possibility of participating in the planned UFC event at the White House in June 2026, according to statements made during a recent podcast appearance. The 38-year-old retired fighter addressed speculation about a potential comeback during an interview on The Lapsed Fan podcast in early September 2025.
When asked about the historic White House event, Rousey stated emphatically: “I ain’t fighting at the f****** White House.” She indicated she has better priorities, specifically mentioning her family responsibilities and noting that her child needs care.
The White House UFC event is scheduled to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary of independence in 2026. President Donald Trump announced the celebration during his Memorial Day address in May 2025, describing plans for a significant event with an estimated attendance of 20,000 to 25,000 people. UFC President Dana White has been actively involved in planning the event, reportedly visiting the White House multiple times to discuss logistics.
Despite her definitive stance against the White House event, Rousey left room for interpretation regarding a potential return to mixed martial arts. She referenced Mike Tyson’s recent boxing match against Jake Paul, suggesting that veteran fighters making comebacks means one should “never say never” about future possibilities. However, she made clear that any hypothetical return would not occur at the White House venue.
Rousey has not competed in mixed martial arts since December 2016, when she suffered a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. That defeat followed her previous loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015, which ended her undefeated streak and bantamweight championship reign. After retiring from the UFC, Rousey transitioned to professional wrestling with WWE, where she competed for five years.
Recent social media activity had sparked speculation about a possible comeback. Rousey gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Liko’ula Pā’ūomahinakaipiha, in January 2025. Six weeks later, she began sharing workout videos and training footage, leading fans to wonder if she was preparing for a return to competition. In August 2025, she posted about a six-month body transformation, crediting mixed martial arts training for her results.
The UFC White House event has generated significant interest from active and retired fighters seeking spots on the historic card. Michael Chandler expressed belief that he might face Conor McGregor at the event. Former heavyweight champion Jon Jones initially announced his intention to compete at the White House after briefly retiring, though White reportedly rejected his request.
White had previously addressed Rousey comeback rumors in early 2024, definitively stating that she would not return for UFC 300. He dismissed speculation about several former champions, including Rousey, Georges St-Pierre, and Brock Lesnar, making comebacks for major events.
The planned White House UFC card represents an unprecedented venue for mixed martial arts competition. Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, described the event as potentially “one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history” when speaking to The Wall Street Journal. The card is expected to feature both male and female fighters, though specific matchups have not been announced.
Rousey remains one of the most recognizable figures in UFC history, having served as the promotion’s first women’s bantamweight champion and helping establish women’s divisions in mixed martial arts. Her rejection of the White House opportunity reflects her current focus on family life and other pursuits outside competitive fighting.
The former champion’s comments during The Lapsed Fan podcast appearance were made while promoting her new graphic novel. She did not indicate whether UFC officials had formally approached her about participating in the White House event, but her response suggests she would decline any such offer regardless of the circumstances.