"I started training because I saw her" - UFC women's bantamweight title contender urges Ronda Rousey to return to the octagon (Exclusive)

UFC women's bantamweight Mayra Bueno Silva has urged Ronda Rousey to return to MMA.

Rousey is considered a pioneer of women's MMA and was undoubtably one of the UFC's biggest stars during her run as the bantamweight champion. 'Rowdy' defended her title on six occasions throughout her time in the organization before suffering back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.

After her defeat to Nunes in 2016, Rousey called it a day on her octagon career and took some time out of the spotlight. Two years later, she made a surprise appearance at WWE's Royal Rumble in 2018 and it was announced she had signed a full-time contract.

After five years with the wrestling organization, Rousey announced her retirement from WWE in October last year and she has since made sporadic appearances on the independent wrestling circuit. With her now out of wrestling full time, there have been rumors she could make a return to MMA.

Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda MMA, the No.3 ranked Silva discussed Rousey's potential return to the UFC. According to the Brazilian, she is the reason she started training MMA and hoped to see her competing in the octagon once again. She said:

"Ofcourse [wanting to see Ronda Rousey return]. I started training because I saw her. She was great and I love her. It's a great idea. And Ronda, please! Back! Please come back!"

Catch Mayra Beuno Silva's comments here (8:30):

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Miesha Tate wants trilogy bout against Ronda Rousey

Miesha Tate recently teased fans that a trilogy bout against Ronda Rousey could be on the cards for UFC 300.

Tate and Rousey's rivalry is widely considered one of the best in women's MMA as it stemmed from their time in Strikeforce and the UFC. They have previously fought on two occasions, with Rousey getting the better of 'Cupcake' both times using her signature armbar submission.

Tate eventually claimed the women's bantamweight title from Holly Holm, following Holm's victory over Rousey, and called for the trilogy bout against 'Rowdy' to be her first title defence. The 36-year-old wouldn't return, however, and Tate went on to lose the strap to Amanda Nunes.

Now, with UFC 300 on the horizon and much of the card still to be announced, Tate teased their trilogy bout on social media by sharing a picture of a fan-made poster.

Check out the post below: