LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a stunning announcement that has electrified the combat sports world, pioneering fighters Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements from mixed martial arts to face each other in a highly anticipated superfight. The bout is scheduled for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marking a historic moment for women's MMA.
Announcement and Promotion Details
The two iconic fighters revealed their returns on Tuesday, with the event being staged by Most Valuable Promotions. This combat sports promotion was established by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian. Notably, the show will be broadcast on Netflix, expanding its reach to a global audience.
Fighter Backgrounds and Career Highlights
Ronda Rousey, 39, has not fought since 2016, while Gina Carano, 43, saw her eight-bout MMA career conclude in 2009. Despite these lengthy absences, both remain legendary figures in MMA history for their trailblazing contributions. They will compete at 145 pounds over five five-minute rounds, adding to the bout's intensity.
Carano played a pivotal role in bringing women's MMA into the mainstream of broadcast television during its early days. Rousey, on the other hand, secured the enthusiastic acceptance of women's MMA by Dana White and the UFC, revolutionizing the sport.
Ronda Rousey's Illustrious Career
Rousey, with a record of 12-2, rose to become arguably the biggest star in all of MMA after winning an Olympic medal in judo in 2008. Her signature armbar finishes and cage charisma singlehandedly prompted Dana White to begin promoting women's MMA, with Rousey at the forefront of his plans.
She won the UFC's first-ever women's bout in 2013 to claim the bantamweight title belt and still holds the promotion's record with six title defenses. After ending 11 of her first 12 fights in the first round, her career abruptly stalled when she lost back-to-back bouts to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. This led her to transition into acting, professional wrestling, and motherhood.
Gina Carano's Impact and Recent History
Carano, with a record of 7-1, fought in the first Nevada-sanctioned MMA bout between women in 2006. She won a series of fights that made her a network television draw in the sport's early days. Her most recent fight was in August 2009, where she was stopped by Cris "Cyborg" Justino. Despite repeated rumors of a return to the cage, she moved on to an acting career.
Carano, who turns 44 in April, landed several prominent film roles and became a cast member of Disney's "The Mandalorian." However, her contract was not renewed in 2021 after she expressed controversial right-wing views in a series of social media posts. Last year, she settled a lawsuit against Lucasfilm and The Walt Disney Company over her claim that she was fired for those posts.
Fighter Statements and Anticipation
"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!" Rousey exclaimed. "This is for all MMA fans past, present and future."
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."
Promotional Significance
This event marks Most Valuable Promotions' first foray into MMA promotion after four years of focusing on boxing. The combination of Netflix's broadcasting power and the star power of Rousey and Carano is expected to draw significant attention, potentially setting new viewership records for women's combat sports.
