Ronda Rousey remains a hot topic in MMA in 2025, with whispers of a comeback fueling fan excitement. Among those eager to see her step back into the cage is Luana Santos, a UFC bantamweight who has long idolized Rousey and would welcome a final showdown for the “Rowdy” legend.
Santos spoke with MMA Fighting about her emotions following a memorable moment this July when she met Rousey at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas. The encounter happened after UFC bantamweight Jacqueline Cavalcanti invited Santos to join a sparring session with Rousey and the possibility of meeting her in person.
Santos recalled the overwhelming thrill: “Jacque, I need to be there. I want to watch, I want a photo, I want to say hello. It’s a chance I’m not sure I’ll get again.” She admitted she was visibly shaking and even struggled with English, rehearsing what she might say. In the end, all she managed was a heartfelt, “I love you.” She emphasizes that she isn’t usually someone who loudly gushes over celebrities, but Rousey is an exception.
The moment was especially meaningful because Santos has admired Rousey since she began training in MMA, drawing inspiration from her pioneering career. She even keeps a framed photo from the meeting in her living room, a tangible reminder of a dream realized.
As for a potential return to competition, the path remains uncertain. Santos isn’t convinced there’s a need for Rousey to lace up the gloves again, yet she understands if a comeback is driven by a desire to finish what she started. If Rousey does return, Santos envisions a farewell bout against longtime rival Miesha Tate, offering a final chapter to a storied era.
From a fan’s perspective, Santos would relish one more Rousey appearance. But she frames a comeback as something more than nostalgia: a dignified closing of a remarkable career after Rousey’s two KO losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, which followed a historic ascent in women’s MMA. Santos argues that even with defeats, Rousey’s legacy remains immense and deserving of admiration. A final fight, she suggests, could serve as a triumphant end—an official retirement marked with honor rather than a silent exit. She acknowledges that Rousey’s departure due to concussion concerns adds a poignant element to any potential return, making a ceremonial ending particularly meaningful.
Meanwhile, Santos is gearing up for a bantamweight bout, a weight class where she remains undefeated in the UFC. She’s just glad to be back in the cage after a postponement disrupted her plans in November. Her original opponent, Darya Zheleznyakova, withdrew after not throwing many kicks in training, leading to Melissa Croden stepping in before later pulling out as well and the fight being rescheduled to December 13.
Santos described how she adapted to the changes, noting that Croden is a formidable opponent with strong kicking power. She believes her own game plan—centered on a solid, versatile striking game complemented by judoka-derived grappling—can handle the challenge. She emphasizes that she doesn’t intend to rely solely on her grappling: she’s been actively sharpening her striking to present a well-rounded threat. Santos stresses that UFC-level competition means every opponent is tough, but she trusts her improved abilities and believes she can win either by knockout, submission, or a decisive decision after three rounds.
Looking ahead, Santos remains confident in her striking and her ability to control the fight on the feet, even as she respects Croden’s toughness. She notes that her judo-background provides a strong base for mixed martial arts, and she’s ready to translate that into an entertaining, complete performance in each upcoming bout.
