Ronda Rousey’s Netflix comeback victory breaks US MMA viewing records
Ronda Rousey’s rapid submission victory over Gina Carano in California on Saturday has broken the record for the most-watched mixed martial arts event in United States history.
The groundbreaking live broadcast on Netflix peaked at 11.6 million domestic viewers, comfortably surpassing the previous high established in 2011.
Global viewership for the spectacle at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood reached an estimated 17 million, according to the streaming platform and Most Valuable Promotions.
A rapid conclusion for returning pioneers
The highly anticipated contest between the two trailblazers of women’s fighting concluded abruptly in just 17 seconds.
Stepping into the cage for the first time in a decade, the former Olympic judoka immediately took her opponent down before applying a signature armbar.
The 44-year-old tapped out almost instantly to prevent a serious injury, marking a sudden end to her first competitive appearance in 17 years.
Carano reflects on humbling defeat
Despite the devastatingly quick loss, the defeated veteran took to social media to describe the comeback as one of the greatest experiences of her life.
“My heart is heavy, I wanted to throw, battle, win, but I kicked when I should have moved and was down and done. If I hadn’t tapped she would’ve broken my arm, as it had begun to crackle.” Gina Carano
The pioneer added that words of encouragement from legendary champions Jon Jones and Cain Velasquez had helped to put the setback into perspective.
Context behind the historic card
Prior to the weekend’s event, the victor had last competed in 2016, suffering a devastating first-minute knockout at the hands of Amanda Nunes.
Her opponent had also experienced a prolonged absence, having not fought since suffering her sole previous career defeat against Cris Cyborg in 2009.
The historic fight card also featured high-profile victories for veteran combatants Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou.
Perry secured a stoppage win over Nate Diaz, while the former undisputed heavyweight champion delivered a spectacular first-round knockout against Philipe Lins.