Ronda Rousey, 'Blindspot' and the (highly) unlikely chance she returns to the UFC

As fight fans continue to wonder about the future of Ronda Rousey, the former UFC women’s bantamweight champion recently wrapped up filming for her guest spot on the NBC series “Blindspot.” All that’s changed about the chances of Rousey fighting for the UFC again is that it looks even less likely that it will happen.

Ronda Rousey in “Blindspot.” (Warner Brothers/NBC)

At least that’s the only logical conclusion to reach based on words from UFC President Dana White and Rousey herself, even as she keeps us in the dark.

White this week was asked by TMZ about a possible Rousey return to the octagon, and he sounded even less confident than before about it happening and expounded on his reasons.

“She hasn’t retired. She hasn’t told me she’s retiring, but I don’t think she’s (coming back),” White said. “She’s actually enjoying herself, she’s having fun. She made a lot of money, and she’s enjoying it now. …

“She’s made a lot of money. She’s just enjoying herself. I know she was just on that TV show (‘Blindspot’), and if they do another season, she might be a regular character on the show. I could see her doing that.”

“Listen, she’s talented, she’s driven, she’s awesome. She can do whatever she sets her mind to do.”

Ronda Rousey in “Blindspot.” (Warner Brothers/NBC)

It seems Rousey (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) is set on acting, and fighting might be the furthest thing from her mind after getting destroyed by champion Amanda Nunes last December at UFC 207.

Rousey first ventured into acting in the midst of her UFC title reign with a role in 2014’s “The Expendables 3.” She followed that up with appearances in “Furious 7” and “Entourage” in 2015.

In her ‘Blindspot’ appearance during an upcoming episode titled “In Words, Drown I,” Rousey plays prison inmate Devon Penberthy. Rousey finished filming in early March and raved about her experience last month to TMZ.

“‘Blindspot’ was awesome,” she said. “I really loved it. I hope I get to go back.”

The show is on the bubble to be renewed for a third season, but should that happen, as White alluded to, there is interest in making Rousey’s character a regular. If that were to happen, well, it’s safe to say that would be game over for Rousey’s UFC career.

Realistically, Rousey doesn’t have many opponent options (perhaps only one) if she decided to return to the UFC, though you’d expect the promotion would accommodate any request — aside from a title shot. That Rousey hasn’t actually used the word “retire” in conversations with White might be a sign that she’s not quite finished.

From the looks of it, though, she is.

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.