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White says there's a 'great chance' Rousey will fight Nunes

Since Ronda Rousey has remained mum on her short-turn plans, UFC president Dana White is picking up the slack.

The former UFC women's bantamweight queen hasn't fought since November of 2015, when Holly Holm treated her to a head kick knockout to win the title at UFC 193. Rousey's since undergone knee surgery, putting the timetable on her return into question. In a recent interview with Brazil's Combate, White revealed "Rowdy," when ready, could get a shot at reclaiming the strap, this time against incumbent champion Amanda Nunes.

"Yes, there is a great chance that Ronda will fight Amanda Nunes, and I am very confident Ronda will fight before the end of the year," White said.

If Rousey does return before year's end, it will likely be on Dec. 30 at UFC 207, the promotion's farewell to 2016. However, White did not clarify when and where she would fight Nunes specifically. Should his wishes fall through, White believes a long-entertained meeting between the judoka and Cris Cyborg could finally materialize.

"I think in a perfect world, what everybody would love to see is Ronda versus Cyborg, so everybody is waiting - I'm sure Cyborg is, too - is the return of Ronda Rousey. When she does return, I'm sure (Rousey is) gonna want to fight for the title, probably defend it and then maybe fight Cyborg. I don't know. We'll see how this thing plays out."

The Brazilian herself has been clamoring for a crack at Rousey, which would settle a years-old saga she likened to a "novella." Cyborg is set to fight Lina Lansberg at a 140-pound catchweight at UFC Brasilia on Saturday, after which White says potential matchups abound, including a clash with the current bantamweight champ.

"The dream fight for Cyborg is obviously the Ronda Rousey fight, but there's other big names out there like Miesha Tate, Holly Holm and possibly - and I know Brazilians don't like seeing Brazilians fight - but possibly Amanda Nunes."

Nunes, who successfully usurped Tate by first-round submission at UFC 200, has previously stated she'd gladly welcome Rousey back to the Octagon.

- With h/t to Bloody Elbow

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