Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Set to Ignite MMA with Epic Comeback Clash on May 16
By Sports Desk | February 17, 2026
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world, former UFC champion Ronda Rousey and pioneering fighter Gina Carano have announced their returns from lengthy retirements to face off in a highly anticipated bout on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.[1][2]
The fight, billed as the “biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history,” will be staged by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the combat sports promotion founded by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian. The event will stream live on Netflix, marking MVP’s first foray into professionally sanctioned MMA under the unified rules of the sport.[1][2]
Trailblazers Return to the Cage
Rousey, now 39, last stepped into the cage in 2016 during her storied UFC career, where she became a global superstar and a key figure in legitimizing women’s MMA. Carano, 43, concluded her eight-fight MMA tenure in 2009 but played a pivotal role in bringing the sport from the fringes into mainstream broadcast television.[1][2]
The two legends will compete at 145 pounds over five five-minute rounds, using 4oz gloves inside a hexagon cage—a format that promises high-stakes action reminiscent of their primes.[1][2]
Fighters Share Personal Motivations
Rousey, in her announcement, expressed long-held excitement for the matchup: “Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”[1][2]
Carano reciprocated the sentiment, revealing the respectful origins of the fight. “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 said. “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.”[1][2]
Historical Significance and Fan Excitement
Promoters and insiders hail Rousey and Carano as the foundational icons of women’s MMA. Carano’s early successes paved the way for broader acceptance, while Rousey’s dominance in the UFC era secured women’s divisions a permanent spot in the promotion under Dana White’s leadership.[1][2]
“Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are the two most formative figures in the history of women’s MMA; they are the icons who shattered the glass ceiling and helped build the foundation this sport stands on.” – Most Valuable Promotions statement[2]
Fans have flooded social media with reactions, dubbing it a “dream fight” that bridges generations of MMA enthusiasts. The bout’s Netflix broadcast is expected to draw massive viewership, potentially rivaling major UFC pay-per-views given the fighters’ celebrity status beyond the octagon—Rousey in WWE and acting, Carano in Hollywood films like Haywire and the Mandalorian series.
Event Details and What’s Next
The May 16 card at Intuit Dome promises to be a spectacle, with tickets already generating buzz. While full fight card details remain forthcoming, MVP’s involvement signals potential undercard matchups featuring rising stars or other high-profile returns.[1]
| Fighter | Opponent | Weight Class | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ronda Rousey (39) | Gina Carano (43) | 145 lbs | 5 x 5 min |
Challenges of Long Layoffs
Both fighters face significant hurdles with their extended absences—Rousey’s nearly a decade, Carano’s over 15 years. Experts note the physical toll of age and ring rust, but their technical prowess and experience could make for a tactical masterclass. Rousey’s explosive judo throws against Carano’s striking and grappling defense will be key storylines.[1]
MMA’s evolution since their primes adds intrigue: modern training, nutrition, and recovery methods may level the playing field. Promoters emphasize the fight’s sanctioning ensures safety and legitimacy.
Broader Impact on Women’s MMA
This matchup underscores women’s MMA’s enduring appeal and growth. From Carano’s Strikeforce days to Rousey’s UFC reign, their legacies inspire current stars like Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko. A successful event could spur more retiree comebacks and elevate MVP as a UFC rival.[2]
As training camps begin, the combat sports community watches closely. “What a time to be alive,” Carano aptly noted—a sentiment echoed across the MMA landscape.[2]
Stay tuned for updates on ticket sales, undercard announcements, and pre-fight hype as May 16 approaches.