UFC : Rousey Favored to Regain Title at UFC 207

Only one UFC fighter has ever successfully defended the Women’s Bantamweight title: Ronda Rousey. On Friday, she returns to the Octagon to reclaim her belt, and she’s the –150 favorite at press time to beat the current champion, Amanda Nunes (+120). They’ll be fighting in the main event of UFC 207 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

Rousey became famous as the UFC’s first female champion, defending her title six times in dominant fashion before falling to Holly Holm (+450) just over a year ago at UFC 193. Holm then dropped the belt to Miesha Tate (+215), who was overwhelmed by Nunes (+163) in a brief and lopsided battle.

The Brazilian native is 13-4 lifetime in MMA and 6-1 in the Octagon; Nunes is the superior striker in this matchup, and her takedown defense is strong, which could cause problems for Rousey on Friday.

There’s also the question of Rousey’s focus. She’s one of the most talented fighters in MMA history, male or female, but this will be her first fight since losing the title to Holm. Rousey has been busy making movies and doing commercials, and she may retire from the Octagon after Friday’s bout, regardless of the result.

UFC Odds: Will Rousey Reclaim Her Title?

Ronda Rousey hasn’t fought in over a year, but at press time, she’s the –150 favorite for Friday’s main event at UFC 207. Rousey will challenge Amanda Nunes (+120) for the Women’s Bantamweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

Rousey (12-1 lifetime) was named the first Women’s Bantamweight champion in late 2012 after the company absorbed Strikeforce, and defended her belt six times – fighting a total of just 18 minutes – before losing to Holly Holm in November 2015. Nunes (13-4 lifetime) is an accomplished striker like Holm, and her takedown defense could frustrate Rousey on Friday.