Troy Sanders
After more than ten years of speculation and anticipation, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are officially returning to the cage. The two trailblazers in women’s MMA are coming out of retirement for an unprecedented superfight, reviving one of the most discussed rivalries in the sport.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment: Gina Carano and I are set to compete in the most significant super fight in the history of women’s combat sports!” Rousey declared in a statement to ESPN. “We are collaborating with MVP, a promotion that puts fighters first, and Netflix, the largest streaming platform in the world. This event is dedicated to all MMA fans, whether past, present, or future. Stay tuned for more updates… there’s much more to reveal.”
On March 10, 2026, Rousey and Carano faced off during a promotional event, giving fans an exciting preview of the eagerly awaited matchup.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fighters and how to catch their long-awaited showdown.
Who Is Ronda Rousey in the World of MMA?
Ronda Rousey is a former UFC bantamweight champion and a trailblazer in women’s MMA. She made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by becoming the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo, securing a bronze. Shortly after, she transitioned into MMA, quickly gaining fame in Strikeforce and ultimately becoming the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion in 2012.
Rousey successfully defended her title six times, earning a reputation for her dominance and her signature armbar submission finishes. She played a crucial role in bringing women’s MMA into the mainstream. After suffering consecutive losses in 2015 and 2016, Rousey stepped away from the sport. She later joined WWE, where she became a multi-time women’s champion and headlined WrestleMania. Rousey also appeared in films like The Expendables 3 and Furious 7.
What Legacy Does Gina Carano Bring to Women’s MMA?
Gina Carano is renowned as one of the pioneering figures in women’s mixed martial arts. Competing professionally from 2006 to 2009, she fought in organizations like EliteXC and Strikeforce, bringing crucial visibility to women’s MMA during a time when it was still striving for recognition. Carano ended her career with a 7-1 record, with her final fight resulting in a loss to Cris Cyborg in 2009, after which she transitioned to acting.
Carano successfully transitioned into a Hollywood career, starring in films like Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, and Deadpool. She gained further recognition as Cara Dune in The Mandalorian. her career faced challenges when she was removed from the Disney+ series in 2021 due to controversial social media posts that generated backlash. Carano denied any wrongdoing and subsequently filed a lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm.
What Is the Date of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Fight?
Rousey and Carano are scheduled to clash on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This highly anticipated bout will adhere to unified MMA regulations, taking place at featherweight (145 lbs) over five rounds.
What Time Can Fans Tune In for the Rousey vs. Carano Fight?
The Rousey-Carano matchup will commence following the main card, which is set to start at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on May 16. Fans can expect Rousey and Carano to enter the ring after the main event ring walks, anticipated around 8 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. ET.
Where Can Viewers Watch the Rousey vs. Carano Fight Live?
This eagerly awaited fight will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix, marking the platform’s inaugural live MMA event. Subscribers can enjoy the action in real-time as part of their Netflix membership.
Maya Kensington
Ivy Caldwell
