LOS ANGELES: MMA legends Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to come out of retirement for a historic showdown that has sent shockwaves through the world of combat sports.
The blockbuster “Super Fight” will take place on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and marks Netflix’s first-ever live MMA broadcast, produced in partnership with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP).
Rousey, 39, who last competed in 2016, and Carano, 43, who left the cage in 2009, will face off in a five-round featherweight bout at 145 pounds, promising an electrifying return for fans worldwide.
Rousey shared her excitement on social media: “After waiting so long, I’m thrilled to announce that Gina Carano and I are going to throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s MMA history. This is for all the fans past, present, and future.”
Carano revealed that the fight was Rousey’s idea. “Ronda reached out and said there was only one person she would come back for,” Carano explained. “It has always been her dream to make this fight happen between us. She approached it with respect, and it’s an honor to step into the cage with her.”
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Tickets for this historic bout will go on sale March 5, following a press conference in Los Angeles.
Both fighters are trailblazers in women’s MMA. Rousey’s 12-2 record and iconic armbar finishes helped cement the legitimacy of women’s MMA in the UFC, culminating in six consecutive title defenses.
Carano, with a 7-1 record, played a pivotal role in bringing women’s MMA to mainstream television in the mid-2000s, paving the way for future generations.
Despite years away from the sport, both remain icons. Carano transitioned into acting after her 2009 exit, appearing in productions like Disney’s “The Mandalorian”, while Rousey pursued acting, professional wrestling, and motherhood following her UFC career setbacks.
MVP, founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, is making its MMA promotion debut, adding further anticipation to this monumental event.
This clash between Rousey and Carano is poised to redefine women’s combat sports, delivering an unforgettable spectacle that fans around the world will remember for years to come.
