Image Credit: Netflix
Over a decade following the initial discussions among enthusiasts regarding this fantasy face-off, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are formally making their return to the ring. These two pioneers in women’s MMA will be ending their retirement for a monumental clash, rekindling one of the sport’s most frequently mentioned competitions.
“I’ve been eager to share this announcement: Gina Carano and I are going to battle it out in the biggest super fight the history of women’s combat sports has ever seen!” declared Rousey in a statement given to ESPN. “And we are teaming up with the fighter-centric promotion MVP, alongside the biggest and most formidable streamer worldwide, Netflix. This one’s dedicated to all MMA devotees, past, present, and on the horizon. Stay tuned…there’s much more coming.”
Here is everything you should know concerning the competitors and the way you can view their long-awaited contest.
Who Is Ronda Rousey?
Rousey is a previous UFC bantamweight titleholder and stands as one of the most significant figures in the chronicles of women’s MMA. Before entering the Octagon, she achieved a historic feat at the 2008 Beijing Games, emerging as the first American woman to clinch an Olympic medal in judo (bronze). She shifted to MMA soon after and rapidly gained recognition within Strikeforce before taking her place as the UFC’s opening women’s bantamweight champion in 2012.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 26: Ronda Rousey poses for a portrait during a UFC photo session inside the MGM Grand Conference Center on December 26, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Rousey defended her title on six separate occasions, becoming recognized for her overpowering performances, notably her trademark armbar submissions, which assisted in propelling women’s MMA to increased popularity. Following successive defeats in 2015 and 2016, she distanced herself from the sport. Rousey later made her way into WWE, where she became a multiple-time women’s champion and was the main attraction at WrestleMania, in parallel with acting in films such as The Expendables 3 and Furious 7.
Who Is Gina Carano?
Carano is generally considered to be one of the foremost personalities in women’s mixed martial arts. She fought professionally from 2006 to 2009, competing within EliteXC and Strikeforce and was instrumental in garnering widespread interest in the sport during a period when women’s MMA was still striving for visibility. She amassed a record of 7-1 before her defeat against Cris Cyborg in her concluding match in 2009, subsequent to which she transitioned into acting.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – AUGUST 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Gina Carano attends FAN EXPO Canada 2024 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre on August 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Getty Images)
Carano established a prosperous career within Hollywood, featuring in cinematic productions such as Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool, while later enjoying renewed popularity as Cara Dune within The Mandalorian. However, her association with the Disney+ series was terminated in 2021 following controversial posts on social media that gave rise to condemnation and accusations of expressing offensive and provocative views. Carano refuted any misconduct and later initiated legal proceedings against Disney and Lucasfilm.
When Is the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Fight?
Rousey and Carano are scheduled to confront each other in the ring on May 16, 2026, taking place at the Intuit Dome situated in Inglewood, California. The contest will be governed by the established MMA guidelines, contested within the featherweight division (145 lbs) across a span of five rounds.
How Can I Watch the Rousey vs. Carano Fight?
The eagerly awaited showdown will be broadcasted in real-time across the globe on Netflix, signifying the streaming service’s initial venture into the realm of live MMA events. Those with subscriptions will have the ability to view the fight as it happens, as an integral part of their existing Netflix package.