

In an unprecedented comeback to the MMA world, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are gearing up for a highly anticipated face-off on May 16, 2026, at Los Angeles' iconic Intuit Dome. This monumental event is spearheaded by Jake Paul's MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) and will make history by streaming live on Netflix—a first for MMA. Ronda Rousey recently revealed on ESPN's SportsCenter that she had initially pursued a fight against Carano through UFC's President, Dana White, but her request was declined. 'I reached out to Dana [White] and asked if he would be interested in it. It didn’t exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us to here today,' Rousey recounted. 'It took a long time to get us here. We fought for this. We fought to fight each other. There were a lot of obstacles along the way.' Both warriors bring impressive credentials to the ring. Rousey, 39, once held an untarnished record of 12-0 before succumbing to defeats by Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Come May, she returns to the cage for the first time since 2016, under the featherweight (145lb) class, prepared for a five-round showdown. Meanwhile, Gina Carano, 41, steps back into the octagon after a staggering 17-year hiatus, with her last fight dating back to 2009 against Cris Cyborg. Post-MMA, Carano pursued an acting career but now returns with a solid record of 7-1, including 3 wins by knockout and 1 by submission. This match not only emphasizes Rousey's and Carano's determination and resilience but also showcases the growing influence of alternative promotional avenues in the sports industry. Fans and fighters alike anticipate a phenomenal battle, promising to electrify audiences worldwide, as these two legends clash in a much-awaited spectacle.