Katie Taylor reportedly in talks to face former UFC champion Ronda Rousey

The fight could take place in Las Vegas during the summer and be broadcast on Netflix

Katie Taylor is currently on a break from boxing and is designated a 'champion in recess' by the WBC. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Katie Taylor is reportedly in talks to face Ronda Rousey in a main event fight in Las Vegas. The bout could take place during the summer. 

Rousey was the UFC's bantamweight champion between 2012 and 2015 before being defeated by Holly Holm. She retired from MMA in 2016 with a 12-2 record, moving on to a career in WWE but has not been part of the promotion since 2023. Like Taylor, Rousey is an Olympic medallist, winning bronze for the USA in judo at the 2008 Games in Beijing. 

The 38-year-old recently posted videos on social media of her in training, sparking speculation of a comeback to combat sports. She has played down talk of a return but also said Mike Tyson's recent comeback "proves that I don't think anyone's ever really done".

The 39-year-old Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano in their trilogy fight during the summer, an event which was watched by six million viewers on Netflix. She is currently on a break from boxing and designated a 'champion in recess' by the WBC.

Boxing Scene reported that the fighters are in "active negotiations" and that the event could be broadcast on Netflix. Speaking on Friday night's Late Late Show, Taylor indicated an openness to bouts where one fighter is more celebrity than boxer.

"I can't believe that fight's happening," she said about the Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua fight.

"It's crazy. Jake definitely gets a lot of stick because he hasn't got a boxing background, but he has got an entertainment background and professional boxing is the entertainment business. That's why he's able to get these big fights over the line. He's done remarkably well over the last few years.

"Look at the fights he's involved in, look what he's done for the sport. You have to give him credit for that. I think he's probably going to get knocked out, but fair play for actually taking the fight. The size difference is huge. Anthony Joshua is a big puncher. I just can't believe it's actually happened. This is the world we're living in."

Taylor is being honoured this week at the WBC convention is Thailand. Asked about the future, the Bray boxer said she was ready for the next challenge but was unsure what that would be.

"I’m not too sure – waiting to see what happens," she told Boxing Scene,

"I’m ready to fight whenever, really, and take on whatever challenge comes next. Right now, I’m waiting to see what that is. Any of the big names, any of the big fights – I’m ready to take on them all."