On 30th December, at UFC 207 in Las Vegas, Ronda Rousey will return to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 193 (where she lost her Bantamweight championship to Holly Holm in a devastating second-round high kick knockout) to fight Bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in the main event.
This bout is not only highly anticipated because of Rousey's return since her first career loss but is also due to the fact that the California native has stated that this fight will be one of her last.
With champion Nunes stating that she's been preparing for a fight against Rousey since 2013, let's preview what could be Rousey's last-ever MMA fight.
Nunes not there to lie down
The result of the fight could massively influence Rousey's decision to carry on in the UFC and a factor that will pressure Rousey in her preparation is her opponent's determination.
Winning the Bantamweight championship at UFC 200 via first-round rear-naked choke against Miesha Tate, Nunes (13-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) broke through into the upper-tier of the Women's division and established herself as the woman to try and stop Rousey (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) having a successful return.
The Brazilian is confident heading into her first title defense against the first-ever woman to be signed by the UFC and said to TMZ that she was 200 percent sure she would beat Rousey, also commenting that she knows Rousey is a tough opponent but that she's the best in the World.
Rousey's Mental and Physical Strength must be on Point
To say that Rousey's loss to Holly Holm damaged the former StrikeForce fighter mentally and physically is an understatement.
She said in a recent interview with Ellen "Honestly, my thought in the medical room, I was sitting in the corner and was like, 'What am I anymore if I'm not this?'"
"Literally sitting there thinking about killing myself. In that exact second, I'm like, 'I'm nothing. What do I do anymore? No one gives a shit about me anymore without this.'"
It's worrying yet inspiring that Rousey has come out and said this. Aside from explaining why she took over a year out, this should be a catalyst for other fighters to talk about their mental health after a big loss. In relation to this fight, Rousey must be 100% in avenging the most devastating moment of her career.
In terms of physical strength, Rousey said that she's trained twice a day since the start of August. Whether they'll be any rust and nerves that will affect her performance is up in the air, especially when looking at the ludicrous amount of submission victories she has via armbar.
It's very interesting to see the UFC's second biggest money draw be in a position were there are a lot of question surrounding her and I'm sure to be one of my tuning in to see how she bounces back.
What's Next?
So say Rousey loses in convincing fashion, i.e. by KO and submission, and Nunes solidifies herself as a dominate Women's Bantamweight Champion. What's next for Rousey?
Retirement is a real possibility, as she has stated herself, but the two ventures that Rousey could do if she loses in Las Vegas on December 30th are making films and wrestling in the WWE.
Rousey has already been in a good number of films, including a chance to choreograph her fighting skills in Fast and Furious 7, and with appearances in Mile 22 and Road House coming up, Rousey's path to Hollywood is there for her to have a huge career.
In terms of going to the WWE, which Stephanie McMahon has said would be a fantastic accomplishment for WWE, Rousey could even just make several appearances before a handful of matches (and a massive payday).
She's already experienced being in the squared circle at WrestleMania 31, in a segment with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon so again the opportunity is there.
On the flip-side, if Rousey wins, I think she'll continue to fight until she either loses the belt or retires following a big defence.
Whatever happens, it's sure to be an awesome main event Women's Bantamweight Championship fight.
PREDICTION: Amanda Nunes wins via second-round TKO (technical knockout). Rousey announces retirement in post-fight interview.
Amanda Nunes and Ronda Rousey face-off at the end of the UFC 205 weigh-in in November.
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