Ronda Rousey returns at UFC 207: A look back at her career timeline

Ronda Rousey returns to the Octagon on Friday, but she's traveled a long road to get there.

Ronda Rousey returned to the ring for the first time since November 2015 and suffered a devastating loss at the hands of Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on Friday night in Las Vegas. Her quest to retain her bantamweight title will have to wait.

Without any granting any interviews before the match, Rousey made it clear that the only thing in her sights this week was getting back on top. She cited being being tired from the media frenzy in the lead-up to UFC 193 as part of the reason she lost to Holly Holm last year. Before the match, Rousey was a perfect 12-for-12 in fights and emerged as an icon for not just women’s MMA fighting but the entire landscape of the UFC.

As she walked out of the Octagon on Friday night, her future remains in question. Regardless of the loss, Rousey has solidified her legacy as one of the best fighters in a budding sport and a figure that has helped it blossom.

• Ronda Rousey stunned: Amanda Nunes dominates UFC star to retain her belt

The loss in Las Vegas could result in her walking away from the sport for good to focus on an equally impressive entertainment career. On the other hand, Rousey can continue to seek revenge and silence the doubters that may now be louder than they were after UFC 193.

Below is a timeline of Rousey's career and the potential swan song that was UFC 207:

2008 – Beijing Olympics

At just 21 years old, Ronda Rousey captured the first Olympic medal in judo by an American woman when she won bronze in Beijing.

Aug. 2010 – MMA debut

Rousey won her amateur MMA debut against Hayden Munoz. A YouTube user shared the video in 2010 and nailed the caption, writing: "Don't blink and make sure to follow this girl. She's for real."

March 2011 – Professional debut

Rousey made her professional MMA debut at King of the Cage: Turning Point. As seen in the video below, she submitted Ediane Gomes with ease as she locked her in her armbar just 25 seconds into the fight.

February 2012 – Domestic violence incident

In her autobiography, My Fight, Your Fight, Rousey recalls an incident when she assaulted an ex-boyfriend two weeks before her first fight with Miesha Tate. The incident spurred from Rousey's discovery that he photographed her naked without her consent or knowledge. Rousey writes, "I slapped him across the face so hard my hand hurt." He did not fight back, but when he tried to drive away, she assaulted him more.

March 2012 – First fight of Miesha Tate rivalry

Months of trash talk had created an intense rivalry for the headlining match at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Rousey secured a second armbar during the final minute of the first round and Tate gave into submission. Rousey was crowned the new bantamweight champion, but perhaps more importantly, women's MMA fighting now had the UFC's attention.

February 2013 – UFC debut

As one of the budding stars of the sport and a growing internet sensation, Rousey was chosen for the first-ever female UFC fight. Rousey relied on her armbar again to beat Liz Carmouche with just 11 seconds remaining in the first round at UFC 157 in Anaheim.

[youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2nmXJ4d5GU]

December 2013 – Rousey vs. Tate Round II

Rousey needed only 58 seconds to record her eighth consecutive armbar victory and defend her bantamweight title.

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9KHt-TVFuY]

November 2015 – Loses bantamweight title to Holly Holm

Rousey defended her title six times and compiled an 11–0 record before suffering the first loss of her career with a surprising second-round knockout to Holly Holm at UFC 193.

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2acUMg5mvE]

January 2016 – Hosts Saturday Night Live

Rousey became the first MMA fighter to host the iconic late-night comedy show. Her other on-screen credentials include appearances in the Expendables series, Furious 7 and Entourage. She has also reportedly been working on MGM's reboot of Road House.

February 2016 – Featured on cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue

Rousey was featured on one of three covers in just her second year modeling for the magazine.

Frederic Pinet/SI

February 2016 – Appears on Ellen, reveals suicidal thoughts

Rousey made one of her first public appearances since her loss to Holm and revealed that she had contemplated suicide following her loss.

“Honestly, my thought in the medical room, I was sitting in the corner and was like, 'What am I anymore if I'm not this?'’ Rousey told Ellen DeGeneres. “Literally sitting there thinking about killing myself. In that exact second, I'm like, 'I'm nothing. What do I do anymore? No one gives a s--- about me anymore without this.”

Rousey credits her boyfriend, UFC heavyweight Travis Browne, for helping her get through the depression.

June 2016 – Knee surgery

Rousey underwent a minor knee procedure, but was told that she could return in time for a possible bout in December.

October 2016 – Dana White announces Rousey's return for UFC 207

The bantamweight belt has changed hands three times since Rousey's loss. Dana White announced that Rousey will fight Amanda Nunes for the title upon her return. Nunes defeated Tate, who defeated Holm.

December 2016 – Amanda Nunes destroys Rousey with first-round TKO

Amanda Nunes retained her bantamweight title by knocking out Ronda Rousey in the first round of the main event at UFC 207 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Nunes moved in and delivered right-handed blows to Rousey’s head before the referee called the fight. The fight lasted 48 seconds. Nunes landed 27-of-47 strikes while Rousey was 7-of-14.

Rousey has said she was nearing the end of her career. If this was the end, it ended in a match that was just as fast as those that made her a star.