Ronda Rousey’s knee surgery puts New York headlining spot in doubt

Ronda Rousey speaks during the Ultimate Fighting Championship "The Time Is Now" press conference at The Smith Center in Las Vegas on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

UFC Women's Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey laughs during an interview at the Las Vegas Production Studio in Las Vegas on Friday, May 22, 2015. (Joshua Dahl/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Nov 15, 2015; Melbourne, Australia; Ronda Rousey (red gloves) competes against Holly Holm (blue gloves) during UFC 193 at Etihad Stadium. (Matt Roberts/USA Today Sports)

Feb 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ronda Rousey (red gloves) reacts after defeating Cat Zingano (not pictured) during their women's bantamweight title bout at UFC 184 at Staples Center. Rousey won in 14 seconds of the first round. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports)

So much for Ronda Rousey making her return to the cage on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first card in New York on Nov. 12.

UFC president Dana White said Rousey likely won’t fight until at least December after undergoing a procedure on her knee.

White revealed the news during a Thursday appearance on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”

“I’m hoping we’re going to get Ronda back this year,” White said. “She actually, she just had surgery on her knee yesterday. Nothing serious, just get in there and scope it, clean it out a little bit.”

Rousey has had recurring issues with her knees throughout her career. She suffered her first loss against Holly Holm in November and has been out of action since the knockout defeat.

UFC officials had been targeting the historic event at Madison Square Garden for Rousey’s return, but the timeline for her recovery seems to put that date in doubt.

New York became the last state to legalize professional mixed martial arts competitions this year. UFC 205 will be the first UFC event in the state.

White once again said Rousey will fight for the belt upon her return, regardless of who is champion. Holm lost the title to Las Vegan Miesha Tate in March.

“If Miesha Tate’s still the champion, she’ll fight Miesha Tate. Whoever has the belt is who Ronda Rousey will fight,” White said. “Injuries happen in this sport, somebody falls out and somebody else slides in, I’m not even saying Holly Holm couldn’t be the champion by the time Ronda comes back.

“Whoever holds that belt when Ronda’s ready.”

Rousey, who has been filming movies during her absence, only recently returned to training with her team in Glendale, California.

It’s unclear whether she suffered a specific injury or had the procedure to clear up old damage.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj