Ronda Rousey has boldly declared that her upcoming clash with Gina Carano will set a staggering new benchmark for female fighter pay, smashing all previous purse records in women's combat sports.
Return to the Octagon After a Decade
The former UFC women's bantamweight champion will end her 10-year retirement on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, stepping into the cage against fellow MMA pioneer Gina Carano. Rousey hasn't competed since suffering a brutal knockout defeat to Amanda Nunes in 2016, a loss that prompted her to transition to professional wrestling with WWE. However, she shocked the fighting world earlier this year by announcing her return to mixed martial arts.
Carano, now 44, retired from MMA back in 2009 after being knocked out by Cris Cyborg in the first round. Following that defeat, she carved out a successful acting career in Hollywood. This weekend's event marks Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions' first foray into MMA, with the entire card set to be broadcast live on Netflix. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in, making Saturday night a potentially historic moment not just for MMA, but for women's fighting worldwide.
Rousey's Bold Predictions and Criticism
In the build-up to the contest, Rousey has been outspoken, criticising the UFC's fighter pay structure and taking verbal shots at current UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. With so many eyes on the event, 'Rowdy' believes her showdown with Carano will be a groundbreaking moment for the sport.
“The biggest money fight is the biggest fight period,” Rousey stated. “And we honestly have very different definitions of greatness. Mine is making history, making a cultural impact and influencing the future of the sport. I've already won a record eight consecutive title fights, there's nothing left for me to do in UFC. So now me and Gina are smashing the record for the most women have been paid in combat sports.”
Stacked Card Features Ngannou, Diaz, and More
This weekend's card also features the return of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. 'The Predator' hasn't fought in the cage since knocking out Renan Ferreira in 2024, following two unsuccessful boxing matches against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Ngannou is scheduled to face former PFL and UFC star Philipe Lins.
The event also includes a highly anticipated welterweight bout between UFC legends Nate Diaz and Mike Perry. MMA veteran Junior dos Santos makes his return to the octagon for the first time in two years, taking on the hard-hitting Robelis Despaigne. Completing the main card is a lightweight showdown between Salahdine Parnasse and Kenneth Cross.
