UFC: Floyd Mayweather offers Ronda Rousey a helping hand

Retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. has extended an invitation to Ronda Rousey. Photo / AP

Ronda Rousey has been thrown a career lifeline by one of sport's biggest stars.

Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather has offered a helping hand to the former UFC bantamweight champion, saying he is willing to help Rousey perfect the stand up aspect of her fighting.

Rousey suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, going down after just 48 seconds to lose her second successive fight.

"I'll work with (Rousey) if she's willing to work with me," Mayweather told TMZ Sports.

"I don't have anything against anyone. I'm willing to work with anyone."

Mayweather and Rousey have clashed previously after outspoken UFC president Dana White claimed Rousey would deal to Mayweather if the pair were to meet in the octagon.

Earlier in the week Mayweather had high hopes for Rousey's future, telling FightHype that "a true champion can bounce back" and that "everything will be okay."

However, Mayweather did question Rousey's decision to take up a title fight immediately after a year-long sabbatical.

"I think that her losing had a lot to do with time off," Mayweather said.

"She maybe should have competed against another female MMA fighter that wasn't as active as the female that she faced."