Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to face off in historic comeback fight May 16
Two of mixed martial arts’ biggest pioneers are un-retiring for a blockbuster superfight. Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will compete on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, in what organizers are calling the biggest women’s combat sports matchup in history.
The five-round fight will stream live on Netflix and marks the inaugural professional MMA event promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. Both fighters will compete at 145 pounds under the Unified Rules of MMA using 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon cage.
A Decade-Plus Away From Competition
The 39-year-old Rousey hasn’t stepped into an MMA cage since December 2016, when she suffered a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. The 43-year-old Carano last fought professionally in August 2009, losing to Cris Cyborg in a Strikeforce bout—her only career defeat.
“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. “This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”
From the Cage to Hollywood and Back
Both athletes became crossover stars after leaving MMA. Carano transitioned to acting, appearing in the Fast & Furious franchise and Deadpool. Rousey pursued professional wrestling, becoming a three-time WWE champion before departing in 2023. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.
Carano acknowledged the historic nature of their matchup. “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,” Carano said. “She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career. This is an honor.”
Building Women’s MMA
Rousey revolutionized the sport as the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion, defending her title six consecutive times and dominating opponents with her signature armbar technique. She became the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in judo in 2008 and was the first female fighter signed to the UFC.
Carano, widely recognized as a women’s MMA pioneer from 2006 to 2009, enhanced the visibility of women in combat sports during her active career. Together, they shattered barriers in a sport that once had no place for female competitors.
A kickoff news conference is scheduled for March 5 at Intuit Dome, with additional fights to be announced for the card at a later date.
