Trending Now - Ronda Rousey Seeks to Shift UFC Image Alongside Gina Carano
WHO:
Ronda Rousey stated, "This is the biggest fight in MMA right now," during a news conference to promote the bout.
Gina Carano expressed, "Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for."
Jake Paul, YouTuber-turned-boxer, is promoting the fight through his company, Most Valuable Promotions.
Ronda Rousey stated, "There are no two people in this sport with more international name recognition than me and Gina -- except Conor [McGregor], but no one is going to sanction that."
Gina Carano revealed that she has married her longtime partner, Muay Thai fighter Kevin Ross.
Ronda Rousey, MMA fighter
Gina Carano, MMA fighter
Dana White, UFC president
Jake Paul, YouTuber-turned-boxer, promoter
Steve Ballmer, LA Clippers owner
Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion
Philipe Lins, MMA fighter
WHAT:
Rousey criticized the UFC's financial practices, stating, "Dana [White's] now legally obligated to maximize shareholder value," highlighting a shift in priorities since the TKO merger.
Rousey described the fight as the "biggest super fight in women's combat sport history."
Rousey expressed that the fight is "not a charity card or nostalgia card," emphasizing, "This is fate for us."
Rousey mentioned that she initially proposed the bout to Carano while she was nine months pregnant in December 2024.
Rousey stated, "I retired a decade ago not because of back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, but because of neurological issues."
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are scheduled to fight on May 16, 2026.
Rousey stated, "This is the biggest fight in MMA right now."
Rousey criticized the UFC for a financial offer that was smaller than what she is receiving for this fight.
The fight will consist of five five-minute rounds.
Francis Ngannou will also appear on the fight card against Philipe Lins.
WHERE:
The fight will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
WHEN:
The fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
Ronda Rousey last fought in 2016.
Gina Carano last fought in 2009.
Rousey is currently 39 years old, and Carano will turn 44 in April 2026.
WHY:
Carano mentioned that her return to fighting was inspired by her conversations with Rousey, stating, "It's healing, it's exciting. It's everything I could have hoped for."
Rousey said, "We both need to rewrite our own endings together," highlighting the personal motivation behind the fight.
Rousey expressed a desire to "rewrite her ending" in MMA after a heartbreaking conclusion to her previous career.
Carano stated that she was inspired to return to fighting after conversations with Rousey.
HOW:
Rousey indicated her involvement in the promotional end of the fight, aiming to fill a role similar to Dana White's within MVP.
Rousey indicated she hopes to fill MVP’s version of Dana White's role in the company.
The fight is being promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Rousey and Carano will undergo extra concussion tests prior to the fight.
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 19:17 UTC)
In a highly anticipated news conference, Ronda Rousey declared that her upcoming fight is the "biggest super fight in women's combat sport history," while also criticizing the UFC's financial practices and the shift in priorities since the TKO merger. Gina Carano revealed that her decision to return to fighting was inspired by Rousey, saying, "It's healing, it's exciting. It's everything I could have hoped for." Additionally, Jake Paul is promoting the fight through his company, Most Valuable Promotions, with Rousey taking on a promotional role similar to that of Dana White.
--
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 17:18 UTC)
In a significant announcement, Ronda Rousey emphasized the importance of her upcoming fight with Gina Carano, stating, "This is fate for us," and revealing that she initially proposed the bout while nine months pregnant in December 2024. Rousey also shared that she retired a decade ago due to neurological issues, not just her losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, and expressed a desire to rewrite their stories together. Meanwhile, Carano recently celebrated her marriage to Muay Thai fighter Kevin Ross, adding a personal touch to the unfolding narrative.
--
(UPDATED March 11, 2026 05:23 UTC)
In a highly anticipated matchup, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to face off on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with the fight consisting of five five-minute rounds. Rousey, who last fought in 2016, expressed her eagerness to "rewrite her ending" in MMA, while Carano, inspired by conversations with Rousey, will be making her return to the ring after last fighting in 2009. The event, promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, will also feature former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou taking on Philipe Lins, and both Rousey and Carano will undergo extra concussion tests before the fight.