The May 16 fight marks a milestone for women's MMA as both fighters aim for a memorable return to the cage
Category: Sports
Ronda Rousey, the trailblazing UFC Hall of Famer, is set to make her much-anticipated return to mixed martial arts (MMA) on May 16, 2026, against fellow pioneer Gina Carano. This fight, headlining the inaugural event of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) on Netflix, is being billed as Rousey’s final bout, capping off a remarkable career that brought women’s combat sports into the mainstream.
Rousey, now 39, confirmed that her match against Carano will be a one-time affair, barring any overwhelming demand for a rematch or trilogy. "I promised my husband that I’m completely done, and we want to have more kids, and I really just can’t take any more detours," Rousey explained during a recent interview. This upcoming fight is particularly poignant, as it marks Rousey’s first return to the cage since her last bout nearly nine and a half years ago.
Rousey’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From 2012 to 2015, she dominated the 135-pound division in both Strikeforce and the UFC, securing eight consecutive championship wins. Notably, she finished six of those title fights in 70 seconds or less, with the fastest victory recorded at just 14 seconds. Her reign, characterized by a combination of judo prowess and fierce determination, established her as a household name in the sport.
After suffering consecutive losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, Rousey stepped away from MMA and transitioned into professional wrestling with WWE, as well as dabbling in Hollywood projects. During this time, she focused on family life with her husband, Travis Browne, and their two young daughters. "I didn’t feel it at all," Rousey remarked about her initial lack of desire to return to fighting. "Actually my coach Ricky [Lundell] asked me to help him get his black belt in judo, and that got me back on the mat again. I kind of put all these walls up because I felt like I could never fight again."
The spark to return ignited during a moment of reflection when Rousey was nine months pregnant with her second daughter. She reached out to UFC CEO Dana White about a potential fight with Carano, only to find that negotiations fell through. "The UFC balked at paying her a lofty sum she felt she deserved," leading Rousey and Carano to join MVP, co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, for this historic matchup.
Carano, now 43, has long been regarded as one of the first female stars in MMA, and she expressed her eagerness for the fight. "I really wanted to do the UFC and make that walk," Carano stated in a recent interview. "But, I think that Ronda, she led the way. I just said yes." Carano’s aspirations to fight under the UFC banner have been a topic of conversation for years, but negotiations with the promotion did not progress as hoped.
As the fight date approaches, excitement is building within the MMA community. The event will also feature a star-studded undercard, including notable fighters like Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz, who are making their returns to the sport. Both Rousey and Carano are aware of the significance of their matchup, not only for their careers but for the representation of women in combat sports.
Rousey expressed her appreciation for being able to headline the event alongside male fighters of such high caliber. "It really gives me so much more respect for the men on the card, to have that kind of humility to let us be the headliner," she remarked. "This idea came from a pregnant lady sitting on an office chair and having an idea … and I couldn’t be more proud to be aligned with these men that are legends of the sport."
As both fighters prepare for their showdown, Carano has made it clear that she is ready to face Rousey. "I’m ready to put hands on Ronda Rousey when the time comes," she stated confidently. This fight marks a return for both athletes and serves as a reminder of their impact on the sport over the years.
The event a landmark occasion in the world of MMA, potentially paving the way for more women’s fights to be featured prominently on major platforms. Rousey and Carano’s matchup is not just about personal glory; it symbolizes the growth and evolution of women in combat sports.
As anticipation builds, the fight is set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be streamed live on Netflix. This event marks a new chapter for MVP as they aim to establish a regular presence in the MMA scene.
With their legacies on the line, both Rousey and Carano are determined to put on a show that will resonate with fans and inspire the next generation of fighters. As Rousey put it, "And I just want to have the most incredible fight ever to make them proud to be a part of this card as well." The MMA world is ready to witness history in the making.