Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to Face Off in Highly Anticipated MMA Return

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey will return to mixed martial arts after nearly a decade to face fellow combat sports pioneer Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout, confirmed by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), marks the first professional MMA event promoted by Jake Paul’s MVP and will be streamed live on Netflix.

A Long-Awaited Matchup

The fight between Rousey and Carano has been discussed for years, with a previous attempt to book the matchup in the UFC falling through due to a communication mishap. Rousey confirmed she reached out to UFC President Dana White to explore the possibility of hosting the fight within the organization, but a deal could not be reached. ESPN MMA reports Rousey stating, “It didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us here today.”

Fight Details

The 145-pound bout will be professionally sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA and will consist of five 5-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves, contested inside a hexagon cage. Rousey expressed her desire to give Carano the opportunity to return to the sport, acknowledging Carano’s significant contributions to women’s MMA. ESPN quotes Rousey saying, “We fought for this. We fought to fight each other…I owe her immensely.”

Returning to the Cage

Rousey, 39, last competed in the UFC in December 2016, although Carano, 43, has not fought professionally since 2009. Carano reportedly stated that Rousey told her she would only return to MMA to fight her. Yahoo Sports highlights the nostalgic appeal of the fight, which was considered the biggest women’s matchup a decade ago.

Legacy and Impact

Both Rousey and Carano are considered trailblazers in women’s MMA. Carano helped bring the sport into the mainstream, while Rousey secured the enthusiastic support of Dana White and the UFC for women’s competition. Rousey (12-2) became the first UFC women’s bantamweight champion and holds the promotion’s record for six title defenses. ABC News details how both fighters’ careers paved the way for the growth of women’s MMA.

What’s Next

The event promises to be a significant moment for combat sports fans, offering a glimpse into the past while showcasing a recent partnership between MVP and Netflix. Further details regarding the event, including potential undercard matchups, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.