Katie Taylor has said she is “ready for” a potential boxing match with former UFC champion Ronda Rousey, following a report that the two could meet in 2026. The Irish boxing legend, widely regarded as the greatest female boxer of all time, responded to the speculation at the WBC convention in Bangkok, Thailand.
“This is the first I’ve heard about it,” Taylor said on Tuesday. “I look at all the headlines, and I’m thinking: ‘Okay, I’m up for this fight, I’m ready for this fight, and I’ll be very excited for this fight as well.’” The 39-year-old described Rousey as “an iconic figure” with “an amazing mentality”.
BoxingScene reported on Monday that the pair could square off in a boxing match in Las Vegas in the coming months. Taylor, a former two-weight undisputed champion and Olympic gold medalist, last fought in July, outpointing Amanda Serrano for the third time. Her professional record stands at 25-1, with her sole loss coming against Chantelle Cameron in 2023, a defeat she avenged later that year.
Rousey, 38, retired from MMA with a 12-2 record and has not fought since 2016, when she lost to Amanda Nunes. The American pioneer of women’s MMA, known for her grappling and quick submissions, has since appeared in films and professional wrestling with WWE. Taylor’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, has been approached for comment.
