In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will officially end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to face each other in a highly anticipated bout on May 16. The historic fight is scheduled to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marking a monumental return for two of the sport's most iconic pioneers.
A Long-Awaited Comeback for Two Legends
The two fighters revealed their returns on Tuesday, with the event being staged by Most Valuable Promotions, the combat sports promotion founded by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian. In a significant move, the show will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix, potentially reaching a global audience and showcasing women's MMA on a major streaming platform.
Details of the Fight and Fighter Backgrounds
Rousey, now 39 years old, has not competed in MMA since 2016, while Carano, who will turn 44 in April, last fought in 2009 after an eight-bout career. They will meet at a weight of 145 pounds for five five-minute rounds, a format that promises intense action. Despite their extended absences from the cage, both women remain revered figures in MMA history for their trailblazing contributions that helped legitimize and popularize women's combat sports.
Rousey, with a record of 12-2, rose to fame after winning an Olympic medal in judo in 2008. Her dominant armbar finishes and charismatic presence singlehandedly convinced UFC president Dana White to promote women's MMA, with Rousey at the forefront. She won the UFC's first-ever women's bout in 2013 to claim the bantamweight title and still holds the promotion's record with six title defenses. After ending 11 of her first 12 fights in the first round, her career stalled with back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, leading her to pursue acting, professional wrestling, and motherhood.
Carano, with a record of 7-1, fought in the first Nevada-sanctioned MMA bout between women in 2006, winning a series of fights that made her a television draw in the sport's early days. She was stopped by Cris "Cyborg" Justino in her most recent fight in August 2009 and transitioned to an acting career, despite persistent rumors of a return. She landed roles in films and became a cast member of Disney's "The Mandalorian" before her contract was not renewed in 2021 due to controversial right-wing social media posts. Carano settled a lawsuit last year against Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company over her firing claim.
Fighter Statements and Promotional Context
Rousey expressed her excitement, stating, "Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women's combat sport history! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future." Carano responded, "Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for, and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us. She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen. This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome. This is as much for Ronda and me as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community."
This event represents Most Valuable Promotions' first foray into MMA promotion after four years of focusing on boxing, signaling a strategic expansion into new combat sports arenas. The bout is poised to be a landmark moment, celebrating the legacy of two fighters who paved the way for future generations in women's MMA.
