Women’s MMA legend and mother of two daughters, Ronda Rousey, caused a stir recently when she returned to training. She posted a series of training videos, despite having retired nine years ago due to “concussions”. Naturally, this led fans to speculate that the former UFC champion might be planning a comeback. However, ‘The Arm Collector’ later addressed the rumors on The Breakfast Club radio show, firmly stating that she has no plans to return.

In fact, she pointed out that no fighter ever truly retires, citing boxing legend Mike Tyson as an example. Her training footage, however, drew attention from many, including her former teammate and current UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. Though once close, Ronda Rousey and Harrison now share a subtle rivalry, fueling debates among fans and critics over who the superior judoka is. Harrison recently put an end to the discussion over the “Judo Queen” title between them. Here’s her response.

Kayla Harrison breaks down her judo rivalry with Ronda Rousey

From their blonde hair to their judo backgrounds, Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison share several similarities. Two years junior than the ‘Rowdy’, Harrison once served as Rousey’s primary training partner during her 2008 Olympic campaign. Beyond that, the former champion acted as a mentor, helping Harrison develop her skills and potential.

However, while Ronda Rousey’s judo career peaked with a bronze at the Olympics and a silver at the World Championships, Kayla Harrison made history as America’s first judoka to win Olympic gold, and she did it at Olympics in a row. On Death Row MMA with Jorge Masvidal, Harrison acknowledged Rousey’s potential return, saying, “Ronda’s coming back. So that would be great too,” and hinted that she would welcome a challenge in the Octagon.

Harrison further emphasized her confidence, stating, “Whoever’s next in line. Like, I literally don’t care. I’ll fight anybody. I’m not picky.”

Masvidal, however, didn’t let the topic go. When he asked, “Would it be a little personal with Ronda just because of the Judo Queen versus Judo Queen thing?” Harrison replied, “100%.” Masvidal pressed again on the debate, but Harrison didn’t respond, and Masvidal himself settled the discussion, saying, “There’s only one Judo Queen. Sorry.”

In fact, Kayla Harrison highlighted that Ronda Rousey only achieved an Olympic bronze, while she herself won two Olympic golds, in London 2012 and Rio 2016, cementing her status as one of America’s top athletes. Beyond that, Harrison’s record surpasses ‘Rowdy’s in other major competitions, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the IJF Grand Prix. She earned 14 medals between 2010 and 2016, including eight golds.

Meanwhile, in MMA, Harrison has demonstrated her dominance by decisively outclassing opponents without relying solely on finishes. She currently stands as the only American UFC champion. Still, in terms of marketability, she trails behind Ronda Rousey, which continues to highlight the latter’s prominence in the women’s UFC bantamweight division.

Kayla Harrison discusses a potential matchup at the UFC White House event

Now that Kayla Harrison holds the championship, many are hopeful she can revive the women’s bantamweight division. Yet, ex-UFC referee Big John McCarthy offered a stark perspective on the Weighing In podcast, warning that the division’s former glory may not return soon: “There’s very few people just at the top, and you look down the list and most people go, ‘I haven’t even seen that person fight, I haven’t even heard of that person.'”

This creates a bigger problem where Harrison might be left without legitimate challengers, further dulling the shine of the division. Like she told Masvidal, the former Olympian might have to bank on champions of lower divisions climbing up and challenging her. Even then, there are very few of those at the elite levels like Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili. Still, Harrison is determined to restore the division’s prestige and has set her sights on former star champion Shevchenko.

Harrison became UFC champion last summer by defeating Juliana Pena, and although her fight schedule was initially uncertain, she is now fully confident about competing at the White House event on June 14. Harrison said, “In my perfect world, I fight soon, and then, I fight again at the White House. But for sure, I’m gonna be on the White House card, I’m the only American champion. Currently.”

Looking forward, Harrison is eyeing a potential matchup against Valentina Shevchenko if she beats Zhang Weili in their flyweight title bout at UFC 322. She admitted, “We do like a USA vs Russia like Rocky 4 style.”

Coming back to the original discussion, how do you see the Ronda Rousey vs. Kayla Harrison debate ending? If Rousey were in her prime, could Harrison have surpassed her mentor? Share your predictions below.