Ronda Rousey returns for historic superfight against Gina Carano

Ronda Rousey is officially returning to mixed martial arts for a blockbuster superfight against fellow pioneer Gina Carano.

The bout is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event will be promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed live on Netflix, marking a major step for the streaming platform into MMA.

Rousey, 39, has not competed in MMA since her loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016. Before stepping away, she built one of the most dominant careers in women’s MMA history, becoming the first female UFC champion and a global star who helped bring the sport into the mainstream.

Carano, 43, returns after an even longer absence. The former Strikeforce contender last fought in 2009, finishing her career with a 7-1 record before transitioning into acting and becoming a recognizable Hollywood figure.

Both athletes are widely regarded as pioneers of women’s mixed martial arts. Their long-anticipated matchup had previously been discussed years ago but never materialized under the UFC banner. According to Rousey, the promotion declined the opportunity at the time.

Now, the fight is finally happening outside the UFC, with MVP and Netflix positioning it as one of the biggest women’s combat sports events ever.

The matchup represents more than just a comeback. It brings together two of the most influential figures in the history of women’s MMA and aims to deliver a nostalgic yet historic moment for longtime fans of the sport.