UFC star Ronda Rousey edging closer to career switch to WWE - report

Rousey could find herself in the WWE. Photo / Getty Images

Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey could soon find herself in the WWE, per reports in the US.

USA Today claims Rousey is close to finalising a deal to move into the professional wrestling sphere with her days in the Octagon all but over.

Her last fight was against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on New Year's Eve (NZT) last year, and it isn't a bout she'll be keen to relive. Nunes pummelled the biggest name in female UFC history, winning via TKO after just 48 seconds when referee Herb Dean stepped in to save the American from any more punishment.

That defeat followed her shock loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Melbourne in 2015 and effectively ended her UFC career.

But when one door closes, another one opens. USA Today reported two sources close to Rousey have said her deal with the WWE is imminent.

Rousey was at a WWE event in September and teased at an appearance in the wrestling promotion when a video was released of her talking to friend Shayna Baszler (a former MMA fighter) and Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Bayley.

"You name the time, you name the place," Rousey said in the clip.

EXCLUSIVE: @MsCharlotteWWE @itsBayleyWWE & @BeckyLynchWWE cross paths w/ @RondaRousey @MarinaShafir & @jessamynduke at the #MaeYoungClassic! pic.twitter.com/Ipc7YW5nv2

— WWE (@WWE) September 4, 2017

Rousey also made a guest appearance at WrestleMania in 2015 alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson when she confronted Stephanie McMahon and Triple H.

While yet to officially announce her retirement from the UFC, president Dana White — her biggest supporter — said recently he hoped she didn't return to the Octagon.

"I wouldn't want to see it," he said last week. "I wouldn't want it to happen. I care about her. She has got money … and all that stuff. I don't want to see it happen."

Even when she was fighting Rousey was keen to explore other options. She's starred in films like Entourage and The Expendables 3 as well as TV shows such as Blindspot and Mile 22 (currently filming).

Some suggested Rousey may have been distracted by her other commitments, which lead to her downfall in the UFC.