Ronda Rousey to fight Gina Carano in landmark MMA comeback bout
Former mixed martial arts pioneers Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will end their lengthy retirements to face each other in a landmark bout at the Intuit Dome in California on 16 May.
Speaking at their first public appearance to promote the event on Tuesday, the 39-year-old Olympic judo medallist declared the showdown the biggest fight currently possible in the sport.
The highly anticipated matchup brings together two of the most influential figures in the early development of women’s combat sports.
Both icons transitioned into Hollywood entertainment careers after their initial competitive peaks, leaving fans dreaming of a clash that never materialised during their prime.
Challenging the UFC monolith
The former bantamweight champion last competed in the octagon in 2016, while her 43-year-old opponent has not fought professionally since 2009.
Despite these prolonged absences from the cage, the temptation to finally settle the ultimate fantasy matchup proved impossible to ignore.
“This is the biggest fight in MMA right now. There are no two people in this sport with more international name recognition than me and Gina.”
Ronda Rousey
The California native heavily criticised the Ultimate Fighting Championship, claiming she rejected an offer to return on their final pay-per-view card due to inadequate financial compensation.
While maintaining respect for UFC president Dana White, she accused the promotion’s corporate owners of severely strangling fighter pay.
“Now it’s become about changing the entire landscape of the sport and challenging the monolith that the UFC has become.”
Ronda Rousey
Netflix broadcast and Ngannou return
The five-round main event will be broadcast globally on Netflix and is being co-promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.
The former Strikeforce star revealed she was convinced to return following extensive conversations with her upcoming opponent, who first proposed the bout while pregnant more than a year ago.
The undercard at Steve Ballmer’s new Los Angeles arena will also feature the highly anticipated return of former heavyweight king Francis Ngannou.
The formidable Cameroonian striker recently secured his release from the Professional Fighters League to join the historic bill, where he is scheduled to fight 40-year-old Brazilian veteran Philipe Lins.
