Ronda Rousey return: Floyd Mayweather willing to take ‘Rowdy’ under his wing

By Paul John / Jan 17, 2017 09:38 AM EST
(Photo : Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Retired boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather said that he is open to helping Ronda Rousey recover from the devastating loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207.

Floyd Mayweather and Ronda Rousey have traded barbs before when the latter was still dominating inside the UFC Octagon. But now that Rousey has lost her cloak of invincibility, the retired boxing superstar is ready to help the former UFC women's bantamweight champion get back on her feet.

Rousey failed to regain her title late last month after absorbing a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. It was just Rousey's second defeat but was also her second consecutive knockout loss. She also took a devastating first-round knockout defeat to Holly Holm in 2015.

Following her humbling loss to Nunes, there were speculations that Rousey might call it quit. Until now, the California native has not talked about her future plans. But in case she decides to return, Mayweather is willing to help her with his striking style, TMZ reported.

Mayweather, who has a 49-0 boxing record and is considered as one of the best boxers in history, said that she has nothing against Rousey. This is the reason why he is open to the possibility of training Rousey if the latter is also willing to work with him.

"I will work with her if she is willing to work with me," Mayweather said when asked about the possibility of helping Rousey. "I don't have anything against anyone. I am willing to work with anyone."

Rousey was criticized for trying to become a striker when she has natural judo skills. Most fans and analysts blamed trainer Edmond Tarverdyan for Rousey's downfall.

Rousey has yet to give a timetable for her return, but she might be taking the loss in a positive way, the Chicago Tribune reported. The former champion previously admitted that she had suicidal thoughts when she lost to Holm back in 2015. But in a recent social media post, Rousey hinted that she is taking the loss positively.

It is still unclear, though, if Rousey will fight in the Octagon again. There were speculations that she might just focus on her acting career after successful stints in Furious 7 and Entourage in 2015. There is also the possibility of moving to World Wrestling Entertainment after she appeared at WWE WrestleMania 31 in 2015.