Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to Clash in Historic MMA Superfight on Netflix

Two pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, are set to return to the cage in a highly anticipated bout on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed live on Netflix, marks Netflix’s first foray into live MMA events.

A Legacy of Firsts

Ronda Rousey was singularly responsible for women fighting in the UFC. Gina Carano was largely responsible for women’s MMA being seen in the first place. For those reasons, when Rousey and Carano return from long retirements to fight each other on May 16 in Inglewood, California, it will be an event of historic proportions.

Carano paved the way for women in MMA, participating in the first women’s bout in a major promotion, Strikeforce, in 2006. She also headlined a Strikeforce event in 2009 against Cris Cyborg, a fight that was a landmark moment for the sport. ESPN reports that Carano walked away in 2009 after being bludgeoned by Cyborg.

Rousey quickly became a dominant force after her professional debut in 2010, achieving 12 consecutive finishes, with all but one occurring in the first round. She became the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion and a global superstar.

Return to the Cage After a Decade

Rousey hasn’t competed in MMA since 2016, while Carano hasn’t fought since 2009. The fight will be contested at 145 pounds, professionally sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA, and will be a five-round contest using 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon cage. ESPN confirmed these details.

“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!” Rousey said in a statement to ESPN. “And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion MVP as well as the biggest and baddest streamer on the planet Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to arrive… Much more….”

Beyond the Fight: A Changing Landscape

The combat sports world has evolved significantly since Carano’s and Rousey’s primes. Fighters now often build their brands through social media and entertainment, as seen with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the event. ESPN notes that Paul made a cottage industry out of beating up MMA fighters who were fish out of water in a boxing ring.

Rousey has spoken about the physical toll of her career, revealing a history of concussions dating back to her judo days. ESPN reported that Rousey had kept the head trauma a secret from the UFC and regulators.

A New Chapter for MMA Legends

While the competitive aspect of the fight is uncertain given the long hiatuses of both fighters, the event represents an opportunity for Rousey and Carano to have a final moment in the spotlight and potentially change the final chapter of their storied careers. Both fighters have pursued other ventures since leaving MMA, with Carano finding success in Hollywood and Rousey transitioning to WWE and film.

Netflix announced the event, signaling a new era for MMA broadcasting and a celebration of the sport’s pioneers.