Ronda Rousey to reflect on her UFC future after brutal loss to Amanda Nunes

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey

New York: Ronda Rousey has said she will "take some time to reflect and think about the future" after her UFC comeback lasted just 48 seconds in a brutal loss to Amanda Nunes on Friday night.

Rousey was seeking to regain the bantamweight championship she lost in November 2015 to Holly Holm, her first defeat in the UFC, but she proved no match for Nunes as her Brazilian opponent rained down punches. There have been suggestions the 29-year-old Rousey, whose only two defeats in the UFC have come in her last two fights, may now retire despite remaining the most high-profile woman in the sport.

A statement released on Saturday night will not dampen that speculation. "I want to say thank you to all of my fans who have been there for me in not only the greatest moments but in the most difficult ones. Words cannot convey how much your love and support means to me," Rousey said in the statement. ‘Returning to not just fighting, but winning, was my entire focus this past year. However, sometimes - even when you prepare and give everything you have and want something so badly - it doesn't work how you planned. I need to take some time to reflect and think about the future. Thank you for believing in me and understanding."

Rousey said afterwards: "I'm here to stay."