Clara Hastings
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano made waves in the world of mixed martial arts by staging their remarkable comebacks to the ring on Saturday, May 16. Rousey, who is 39, retired from competitive fighting in 2016, while Carano, 44, stepped back into the arena after a 17-year hiatus since her last match. So, who clinched victory in the Carano vs. Rousey showdown last night?
During a heartfelt post-match interview in the ring, both fighters displayed exceptional sportsmanship by embracing each other and offering congratulations. Rousey expressed her gratitude to Carano, stating, “You changed my world, and we changed the world. And I will never, ever forget. I will never be able to pay you back enough. But I’m so glad we got to share this moment.”
Continue reading to discover the winner of the Carano vs. Rousey bout from last night.
Where Can Fans Rewatch the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Fight?
Fans of mixed martial arts can catch the fight again on Netflix, provided they have an active subscription to the streaming service.
As the fight approached, Carano shared insights with Netflix’s Tudum about her motivations for making a return to the ring.
“I needed to reclaim my body from hurt and reclaim my mind from chaos and reclaim my spirit from the world,” Carano reflected. “So I just needed to reclaim everything, and fighting helps me do that.”
Rousey also commented on her transformation since leaving the sport, noting a shift in her mentality over the years.
“I felt like I had to suffer in order to be the best,” Rousey conveyed to Tudum. “And now, I’m realizing that it’s quite the opposite. I need to find my place of joy in order to be the best.”
What Was the Outcome of the Rousey vs. Carano Fight?
Rousey emerged as the definitive victor in this highly anticipated match, quickly defeating Carano with her renowned armbar just seconds after the fight began.
JUST LIKE THAT.
RONDA ROUSEY DEFEATS GINA CARANO VIA ARMBAR IN LESS THAN 20 SECONDS. #RouseyCarano pic.twitter.com/XFZQQlz3NF
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) May 17, 2026
What Was the Duration of the Rousey vs. Carano Fight?
The match concluded in a mere 17 seconds. Carano submitted to Rousey’s powerful armbar and later reflected on the loss, noting the significant gap since her last fight nearly 20 years ago.
“I wanted that to last longer,” Carano admitted in the ring. “I felt like I was so ready, I felt so good. I never felt that good, but I haven’t been here for 17 years.”
Rousey expressed her appreciation towards Carano, stating in a post-fight interview, “I was hoping to come out both as unscathed as possible. I didn’t really want to hurt her.”
What Are the Earnings for the Winner of the Fight?
The California State Athletic Commission disclosed the earnings for all fighters on the main card of the May 16 event. Rousey earned a substantial $2.2 million for her comeback, while Carano received $1.05 million for her much-anticipated return to the sport.
Maya Kensington
