Ronda Rousey says she'll take time 'and think about the future,' Jon Jones encourages 'Rowdy' to fight again

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champ Ronda Rousey isn’t ready to call it a career just yet, but she admits she needs a little time to figure out her next move.

Rousey (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) today released a statement to ESPN.com, revealing she will reflect on her options before making a decision about any potential return to the octagon following her devastating loss to Amanda Nunes (14-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) at UFC 207.

“I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones,” Rousey stated. “Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me.

“Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes – even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly – it doesn’t work how you planned. I take pride in seeing how far the women’s division has come in the UFC and commend all the other women who have been part of making this possible, including Amanda.

“I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding.”

Rousey didn’t attend UFC 207’s post-event news conference, which took place following Friday’s event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Her lack of communication after the tough loss, combined with the media blackout she enacted ahead of UFC 207, fueled speculation that she was done fighting. But Rousey apparently isn’t ready to make that proclamation quite yet.

Following an undefeated start to her career and an incredible rise to superstardom, Rousey has now lost two consecutive fights via knockout.

Meanwhile, former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (22-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) – who’s certainly no stranger to the spotlight, or the scrutiny that comes along with it – took to social media to encourage Rousey to continue her fighting career, and perhaps even join a new team in hopes of developing her game.

For complete coverage of UFC 207, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.