Ronda Rousey’s Medical Journey and Return to Combat Sports

Ronda Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is preparing for her return to combat sports, facing Gina Carano on May 16th, after a seven-year hiatus. This comeback follows a period where Rousey expressed concerns about her neurological health, stemming from a history of concussions and brain trauma. Recent medical evaluations have provided a new understanding of her condition, paving the way for her return to the ring.

Initial Concerns and Neurological Testing

Rousey retired from the UFC following a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016. In 2024, she initially dismissed the possibility of a return, citing neurological concerns. Before signing with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Rousey discussed her comeback with UFC CEO Dana White, who insisted on a comprehensive neurological assessment.

“When I first approached Dana, he was like ‘first of all I desire to make sure that you’re OK,’” Rousey shared on The Jim Rome Show. “He sent me to the Cleveland Clinic, where they have a long-term neurological fighter study going on. They checked me, did every single test possible to check me, and I actually finally got a positive diagnosis.”

A New Diagnosis: Migraine Aura and Cortical Spreading Depression

For years, Rousey experienced concussion-like symptoms – vision loss, depth perception issues, and cognitive difficulties – even from relatively minor impacts. The Cleveland Clinic, under the guidance of Dr. Charles Bernick, identified the root cause as not necessarily concussions, but rather migraine aura triggered by impacts. This manifests as cortical spreading depression, a wave of neuronal excitation and suppression that can cause temporary visual disturbances and cognitive impairment.

“What he thinks is happening is that I’m not actually getting a concussion every single time that this is happening,” Rousey explained. “He thinks it’s setting off what’s called migraine aura, where you just lose big chunks of your vision, and it’s called cortical spreading depression. Where I guess your neurons get overly excited and depolarize and shut down in a wave, and that’s why I lose chunks of my vision when I’m getting hit.”

Rousey’s history of migraines and a family history of epilepsy provided further insight. According to Dr. Bernick, individuals prone to migraines are more susceptible to concussions, and repeated concussions can lower the threshold for migraine onset. The Cleveland Clinic is a leading institution in neurological research and treatment.

Treatment and the Path to Return

The diagnosis was a relief for Rousey, as it indicated that her condition wasn’t necessarily indicative of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). “To me, I was like, ‘I’m not dying! CTE isn’t coming to get me!’ There’s actually stuff we can do about it,” she stated.

Initially, finding preventative migraine medication proved challenging. However, Rousey has recently found a medication that shows promise in managing her symptoms. “Just recently, we’ve been able to locate something that I can take that’s preventative that will hopefully be able to resolve this issue for me. It’s life-changing.”

Looking Ahead: Rousey vs. Carano

Rousey’s fight against Gina Carano on May 16th marks a significant moment in her career and a testament to advancements in neurological understanding and treatment within combat sports. The bout, promoted by MVP, will be a professional boxing match, a departure from Rousey’s MMA background. The medical clearance and ongoing management of her condition will be crucial as she embarks on this new chapter.

Key Takeaways

• Ronda Rousey’s return to combat sports was made possible by a new medical diagnosis identifying migraine aura and cortical spreading depression as the cause of her concussion-like symptoms.
• The Cleveland Clinic played a pivotal role in her diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Preventative migraine medication has shown promise in managing her symptoms and allowing her to safely return to training and competition.
• The fight against Gina Carano represents a new challenge for Rousey in the boxing arena.