The combat sports world was turned upside down today with the official announcement that two of the most influential figures in women’s mixed martial arts history will finally meet in the cage.
Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions confirmed that former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will return to competition to face fellow pioneer Gina Carano on May 16. The bout, which has been a topic of fantasy matchmaking for over a decade, will headline Netflix’s inaugural live MMA broadcast from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The event marks an expansion for MVP — the promotion co-founded by Jake Paul and focused exclusively on boxing — as they venture into mixed martial arts for the first time.
Ronda Rousey record: 12-2 (3 knockouts, 9 submissions)
The matchup is set to be contested at featherweight (145 pounds), over five five-minute rounds, and with standard 4-ounce gloves. It will also be an official bout, not an exhibition.
Rousey, who has not fought since 2016, shared her excitement about the fight in a statement to Netflix. “Been waiting so long to announce this,” Rousey said. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest superfight in women’s combat sport history, and we’re partnering with the fighter-first promoter, MVP, as well as the baddest streamer on the planet, Netflix.”
For Carano, the fight represents a return to the division she helped put on the map before transitioning to an acting career. Before the switch, she made a name for herself during her run in EliteXC and Strikeforce. Carano hasn’t competed since her 2009 bout with Cris “Cyborg” Santos.
“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 shared. Despite the competitive nature of the booking, there is a clear undercurrent of mutual respect.
Gina Carano record: 7-1 (3 knockouts, 1 submission)
“She thanked me for opening up doors for her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen,” Carano added. “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.”
The event will be available to all Netflix subscribers globally. Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, March 5, at Ticketmaster, coinciding with a kickoff press conference where the two icons will face off for the first time.
