“I think it’s really hard for her to return to fighting. Her career has taken a different direction. If I’m making a lot of money doing movies or something else, I’d go that direction too. Am I going to mess my face up getting punched in the face? You’re crazy [laughs]. In my opinion, I don’t think [she fights again]. If she comes back, of course she can [win the title]. She was always a fighter, but if I were her, I wouldn’t come back. I see this as Gina [Carano’s] situation. Gina was a great fighter and went her way to become an actress after she lost to Cyborg, and she’s getting more attention than if she was still fighting. No diet, not getting punched in the face, nothing… I think the legacy Ronda leaves behind is that she changed women’s MMA. She put it where no one ever imagined, where even Dana White said it would never be, and it is now. That’s her legacy. She has done a lot for women’s sport.”
-UFC Featherweight Champ Jose Aldo spoke with Brazilian media at his gym Nova Uniao about Ronda Rousey’s UFC 193 loss, and why he thinks she might not return (via MMAFighting.com).
Penick’s Analysis: I think Rousey comes back. I think she wants to take part in UFC 200 despite what happened on Saturday, and I think we’ll see that happen. Now, beyond that, I’m not so sure. If she comes back and defeats Holm in the rematch, they’ll have a rubber match almost assuredly. If she comes back and loses again, I think that’s going to be the end for her. Moving on to film and other opportunities will just make more sense for her, provided they’re still available for her by that point.
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