Ronda Rousey reveals how she got help for her concussion issues that allowed her to return to fighting

MMA Fighting

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Ronda Rousey is making a historic comeback after nearly a decade away from the UFC ring, thanks to groundbreaking medical insights that have allowed her to manage her long-standing concussion issues. Diagnosed with a rare condition linked to migraines rather than chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Rousey credits UFC CEO Dana White and the Cleveland Clinic’s neurological study for providing clarity and treatment options. Her journey began with childhood concussions from swimming and judo, which worsened during her Olympic and UFC career. After suffering back-to-back knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey sought answers to return to fighting, motivated by a potential bout against Gina Carano. Dr. Charles Bernick’s research at the Cleveland Clinic revealed that Rousey’s symptoms—vision loss, impaired depth perception, and cognitive fog—stem from cortical spreading depression, a migraine-related phenomenon rather than traditional concussions. This discovery was both relieving and empowering for Rousey, as it confirmed her brain was unharmed but required specialized treatment to prevent future episodes. She found hope in a new preventative migraine medication, describing the breakthrough as “life-changing.” Despite this progress, Rousey remains cautious, aiming to avoid being hit during fights, a strategy she’s honed throughout her career. Rousey’s story is significant for athletes and fans alike, offering insights into the lesser-known connections between concussions, migraines, and epilepsy. Her experience highlights the importance of comprehensive medical support in sports, particularly for fighters facing neurological challenges. While her UFC return didn’t materialize due to financial disagreements, Rousey remains grateful for Dana White’s intervention, which led her to critical care. Meanwhile, California’s athletic commission will conduct rigorous testing for both Rousey and Carano ahead of their May 16 fight, underscoring the growing emphasis on fighter safety in combat sports.

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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/25/2026