In a stunning announcement that has electrified the combat sports world, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to come out of MMA retirement to face off against each other in a Netflix showdown this May. The long-awaited clash between two of the most influential women in mixed martial arts history will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The bout will be promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, the fast-rising combat sports company founded by Jake Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian. In a major move for the streaming giant, the event will be broadcast live on Netflix, signaling another high-profile step into live sports entertainment.
The Comeback Years in the Making
At 39, Ronda Rousey hasn’t stepped into the cage since 2016. Meanwhile, 43-year-old Gina Carano last competed in 2009, ending an eight-fight MMA run that helped lay the foundation for women’s participation in the sport.
Despite the time away, their star power has hardly faded. The two pioneers will meet in a 145-pound contest scheduled for five five-minute rounds — a format designed to deliver the kind of high-stakes drama fans have come to expect from legends of their caliber.
This isn’t just another fight announcement. It’s a collision of eras.
Trailblazers Who Changed Women’s MMA Forever
Long before women’s MMA gained mainstream credibility, Carano was breaking barriers. She competed in the first Nevada-sanctioned women’s MMA bout in 2006 and quickly became one of the sport’s first female television draws. Her charisma and athleticism helped introduce women’s MMA to a broader audience at a time when it was still fighting for legitimacy.
Rousey, however, took that momentum and launched it into superstardom. A bronze medalist in judo at the 2008 Olympics, she transitioned into MMA and rapidly became one of the most dominant athletes the sport had ever seen. With a professional record of 12-2, Rousey captured the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight title in 2013 and went on to defend it six times — a promotional record that still stands.
Her signature armbar submissions and magnetic personality didn’t just win fights; they forced skeptics to take women’s MMA seriously. Under UFC President Dana White, women’s divisions became a permanent and celebrated fixture — largely because Rousey proved they belonged.
Career Highs and Turning Points
Rousey’s meteoric rise eventually met resistance. After finishing 11 of her first 12 opponents in the opening round, she suffered back-to-back defeats to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. The losses marked a turning point, and she stepped away from MMA competition to explore other ventures, including acting, professional wrestling, and starting a family.
Carano’s final MMA appearance came in 2009 when she was stopped by Cris “Cyborg” Justino. Although retirement rumors swirled for years, she shifted her focus to Hollywood. Carano secured roles in several action films and became widely recognized for her performance in The Mandalorian. Her time on the hit Disney+ series ended in 2021 following controversial social media posts, which led to a legal dispute with Lucasfilm and Disney that was later settled.
Now, more than a decade after either woman last competed at the highest level, they are ready to revisit unfinished business.
Mutual Respect, Competitive Fire
The announcement came with visible respect between the two fighters. According to Carano, Rousey personally reached out, expressing that she would only return for one opponent — and that opponent was her.
Carano described the invitation as both humbling and motivating. She acknowledged Rousey’s contributions to the sport while expressing full confidence in her own ability to win. For both women, this matchup is about more than victory; it represents legacy, closure, and celebration of how far women’s MMA has come.
Rousey echoed the sentiment, calling the contest one of the biggest super fights in the history of women’s combat sports and dedicating it to fans across generations.
A New Chapter for MMA Promotion
This fight also marks a significant expansion for Most Valuable Promotions. After building its brand in professional boxing over the past four years, the company is stepping into MMA promotion for the first time. With the event landing on Netflix, the production is expected to draw global attention far beyond the traditional MMA fanbase.
The pairing of streaming power, celebrity promotion, and two legendary fighters creates a rare crossover spectacle — one that blends nostalgia with modern entertainment strategy.
More Than a Fight — A Cultural Moment
The significance of this matchup extends beyond rankings or records. Carano helped introduce women’s MMA to mainstream audiences. Rousey transformed it into a global phenomenon. Now, their stories intersect in a long-anticipated showdown that feels almost mythical.
For longtime fans, it’s a dream scenario years in the making. For newer audiences, it’s an opportunity to witness two icons who shaped the sport’s identity.
When May 16 arrives at the Intuit Dome, the cage won’t just host a fight — it will stage a defining moment in the history of women’s mixed martial arts.
