Ronda Rousey is set to make a significant return to mixed martial arts (MMA) nearly eight years after her last bout. The former UFC champion will face fellow MMA icon Gina Carano in a highly anticipated superfight on May 16, 2024. The event will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be streamed live on Netflix, marking a historic occasion as it is the platform’s first live MMA broadcast.
This matchup between Rousey and Carano is particularly noteworthy, as it represents the first time the two legends will compete against each other. Rousey, who last fought in MMA at UFC 207 in December 2016, where she suffered a defeat to Amanda Nunes, has since transitioned to professional wrestling with the WWE and explored opportunities in writing. The chance to face Carano, whom Rousey has long admired, reflects a culmination of her aspirations in the sport.
In a statement, Rousey expressed her excitement about the upcoming fight. “Been waiting so long to announce this. Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest superfight in women’s combat sport history,” she said. Rousey emphasized the significance of the collaboration with MVP Promotions, co-founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, along with Netflix, stating, “This is for all MMA fans past, present, and future.”
The fight is set to unfold in a hexagon cage, adhering to professional standards with five rounds of five minutes each. Both fighters will compete at featherweight, weighing in at 145 pounds. Netflix subscribers will have access to the event at no additional charge, similar to their boxing specials.
Netflix’s Vice President of Sports, Gabe Spitzer, expressed enthusiasm for the event, noting, “After the record-breaking success in boxing, we wanted our first MMA event to be truly legendary. These are more than just athletes — they are generational stars, and having them headline our MMA debut at the Intuit Dome is a defining moment for us.”
Speculation surrounding Rousey’s return to combat sports had circulated in recent months, with discussions about a potential fight with Carano or a boxing match with Katie Taylor. Carano confirmed that Rousey approached her specifically for this contest, stating, “Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for, and it’s been her dream to make this fight happen between us.”
Carano expressed gratitude for Rousey’s respect and acknowledgment of her contributions to women’s MMA. “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 I as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community. What a time to be alive,” Carano said.
As anticipation builds for this landmark event, MMA fans around the world are eager to witness what promises to be a historic moment in women’s combat sports.
