Over the weekend, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey’s long-rumored transition from MMA into the world of professional wrestling was completed when Rousey showed up at one of the WWE’s marquee events, the Royal Rumble, and then announced that she had signed on with the WWE full-time. Rousey has said she wouldn’t rule the possibility of returning to MMA someday, but it’s clear professional wrestling is her immediate future; and UFC President Dana White fully supports her decision.

Speaking to Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, White said that he was happy for Rousey for accomplishing her dreams.

“I’m very happy for her,” said White. “She loves pro wrestling and has always been a big fan so I know how much his means to her. She keeps accomplishing everything she’s ever wanted.”

After suffering back-to-back knockout losses in her last two fights, it was widely believed that Rousey would make the jump over to professional wrestling. Rousey is a lifelong wrestling, taking her nom de guerre from famous professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and her training partner and friend Shayna Baszler is also currently signed with the WWE. Rousey previously appeared at at Wrestlemania 31, engaging in a short segment with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and all signs point to Rousey being a part of this year’s Wrestlemania event as well, again with “The Rock” involved.

Rousey was the first female champion in the UFC and stepped away from MMA with an overall record of 12-2, and the UFC record for most title defenses by a woman.

---

MUST-READ STORIES

Rowdy. Ronda Rousey isn’t closing the door on a potential UFC return.

GOAT. Daniel Cormier thinks a win over Stipe Miocic makes him the greatest of all time.

Humble. Khabib Nurmagomedov says he won’t let Conor McGregor fight for his lightweight belt when he beats Tony Ferguson.

Return. Cain Velasquez explains cryptic Tweet, eying return at UFC 226.

Reality. Chuck Liddell is booked as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother.

Adoption. Cris Cyborg plans to adopt a child this year.

---

VIDEO STEW

Free fight.

7 figures.

Peep Gaethje sparring.

Even more BJJ Scout.

Chael asking the pertinent question in the Conor belt saga.

Khabib interview.

The Reem.

---

LISTEN UP

The MMA Hour. Stacked lineup with Stipe, DC, Eddie, Ragin’ Al, and more.

Fights Gone By. Jack Slack recapping UFC Charlotte and Bellator 193.

Anik & Florian. Recapping UFC Charlotte and looking ahead to UFC Belem.

---

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

If only we were lucky enough to get Loma in MMA.

Never gonna happen.

The rematch from the controversial fight last June.

Very cool.

Things are looking up for Fabricio it seems.

Not so for the Vanilla Gorilla.

I smell Oscar.

Star-Lord vs. Captain America.

Sage Northcutt is our greatest treasure.

Seems like everyone is happy with this move.

---

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

N/A.

---

TODAY IN MMA HISTORY

2000: Pride FC held the opening round of their first Grand Prix, headlined by the Pride debut of Royce Gracie, who defeated Nobuhiko Takada by decision.

2010: Nick Diaz won the inaugural Strikeforce welterweight title by stopping Marius Zaromskis at Strikeforce: Miami. In the co-main event that evening, Cris Cyborg defeated Marloes Coenen to retain her women’s featherweight title.

Also on this card, Herschel Walker made his MMA debut, beating up Greg Nagy, and Robbie Lawler and Melvin Manhoef had an incredible one-round war that Lawler won with a brutal knockout punch.

2016: At UFC on FOX 18, Anthony Johnson knocked out Ryan Bader to earn his second light heavyweight title shot.

---

FINAL THOUGHTS

Take it easy and see y’all tomorrow.

---

EXIT POLL

---

If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram, add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting, and like us on Facebook.