Ronda Rousey is reportedly in talks with Katie Taylor for a blockbuster summer boxing clash in 2026.
According to BoxingScene, the former UFC champion is eyeing a stunning return to combat sports to face undisputed super lightweight champion Taylor in Las Vegas next year.
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Rousey was the first woman to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as one of the sport’s greatest-ever championsCredit: Getty
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Taylor beat Amanda Serrano for a third time in July to keep all her belts and remain the undisputed super lightweight championCredit: GettyRousey comeback rumours heat up
Rousey, 38, hasn’t fought in Dana White‘s promotion since consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in 2015 and 2016.
However, ‘Rowdy’ has been consistently linked with making a fighting return ahead of the UFC’s first appearance at the White House in June 2026.
In a shocking turn of events, reports suggest that Rousey is now close to a deal with Ireland’s two-time undisputed boxing champion and Olympic gold medallist Taylor.
talkSPORT.com has reached out to Taylor’s promoters Matchroom Boxing for comment.
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Netflix are reportedly keeping a close eye on the super-fight, which is being eyed to take place in the summer of 2026.
Taylor, 39, is fresh off a remarkable trilogy with fellow women’s boxing legend Amanda Serrano.
Their third and final fight took place on an all-women’s card in New York five months ago, breaking the Guinness World Record for the most world titles up for grabs in a single boxing event.
‘The Bray Bomber’ boasts a professional boxing record of 25-1, with her only loss being a majority decision defeat to Chantelle Cameron in May 2023.
Taylor exacted revenge on Cameron six months later to reclaim her throne at super lightweight.
Taylor: I’m ready to fight any big name
When asked about fighting again after completing her trilogy with Serrano, Taylor said: “I don’t know.
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The combat sports legends are reportedly in talks to meet in the summer of 2026 in the ringCredit: Getty
“But I won’t fight Amanda Cerrano again. She punches too hard.”
She told BoxingScene on Sunday: “I’m not too sure [who is next].
“[I’m] waiting to see what happens. I’m ready to fight whenever, really, and take on whatever challenge comes next.
“Right now, I’m waiting to see what that is. Any of the big names, any of the big fights – I’m ready to take on them all.”
Former WWE superstar Rousey, meanwhile, firmly denied her involvement at UFC White House in September, but never closed the door to a dramatic professional boxing debut.
“I am not fighting at the White House,” Rousey said.
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Taylor’s trilogy with Serrano had a modern feel to a prime Rousey fight, and the pair could now be set to meet in the squared circle
“[But] after Mike Tyson [vs Jake Paul] being the biggest fight of the year, you never say never.
“I ain’t fighting at the f***ing White House. Even if offered? I got better s*** to do.”
There’s no surprise that streaming giant Netflix are interested in putting on the mega-fight.
Netflix reaped the rewards of Paul vs Tyson in November 2024, with reports suggesting 60 million households tuned in to watch the fight.
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Taylor vs Serrano 2 featured as the co-main event in Texas on the night, and Netflix said 50 million viewers watched that bout.
The American company also put on Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford in September, and is set to show Paul’s next fight with Anthony Joshua to subscribers on December 19.
Amanda Serrano sheds tears after suffering third defeat to Katie Taylor