In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is poised to make a dramatic return to mixed martial arts after a decade-long absence from the cage.
A Pioneering Clash Set for Netflix
Rousey, the 39-year-old American trailblazer who revolutionized women's MMA, will face fellow pioneer Gina Carano in a highly anticipated bout scheduled for Saturday, 16 May, at Los Angeles' Intuit Dome. The fight will be streamed live globally on Netflix, marking a significant partnership between the streaming giant and Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which is promoting the event.
Rousey's Historic Career and Hiatus
Rousey, with a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses including 3 knockouts, has not competed in MMA since suffering a first-round knockout defeat to Amanda Nunes in December 2016. Her career peaked as the UFC's inaugural bantamweight champion, where she successfully defended her title six times, often using her signature armbar submission. Her reign ended with a knockout loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193, followed by the Nunes defeat that prompted her transition to professional wrestling.
During her MMA heyday, Rousey became the sport's most recognizable female personality, earning induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018. She also made history as an Olympic medallist, becoming the first American to podium in judo since it became an official event at the 2008 Beijing Games.
The Opponent: Gina Carano
Carano, 43, holds a record of 7 wins and 1 loss with 3 knockouts and is widely respected as a pioneering figure in women's MMA. She previously faced and lost to Cris Cyborg in Strikeforce in 2009, sharing the cage with UFC champions during her career. The featherweight bout (145lbs) is scheduled for five rounds, the standard length for title fights and main events in the UFC.
Statements from the Fighters and Promoters
Ronda Rousey expressed her excitement, stating: "Been waiting so long to announce this: me and Gina Carano are going to throw down in the biggest super fight in women's combat sport history. 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 come... much more."
Gina Carano responded: "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. She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen. This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome. This is as much for Ronda and me as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community. What a time to be alive."
MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian highlighted Rousey's influence: "MVP's conviction in women's boxing was driven by the success achieved by Ronda Rousey, who was the biggest star of the entire sport of MMA during her career."
Rousey's WWE Legacy and Future Impact
After leaving MMA, Rousey debuted in WWE in 2018, winning three world titles and helping propel the women's division to its first WrestleMania main event in history. Her return to MMA is expected to draw massive attention, blending nostalgia with modern streaming innovation through Netflix's platform.
This comeback fight not only reunites two iconic figures but also signals a new era for women's combat sports, leveraging digital distribution to reach a global audience. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how Rousey's skills will translate after a lengthy hiatus, while Carano aims to prove her enduring prowess in what promises to be a historic showdown.
