Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two figures who fundamentally shaped women’s mixed martial arts, will return to the cage May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout, promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed on Netflix, marks a historic moment for the sport.
Зміст
A Generational Clash
Both fighters have been retired for over a decade: Carano last competed in 2009, while Rousey’s final MMA fight was in 2016. The match is set for five five-minute rounds at 145 pounds. While lengthy absences raise questions about their current form, their impact on MMA’s growth is undeniable.
Why this matters: Carano and Rousey didn’t just fight—they broke barriers. Carano brought women’s MMA to mainstream television, while Rousey convinced the UFC to take the division seriously, single-handedly securing its place in the promotion. Without them, women’s MMA might never have reached its current level of prominence.
The Pioneers’ Paths
Rousey (12-2) burst onto the scene with an Olympic judo background and quickly became a superstar, dominating the UFC’s bantamweight division with six successful title defenses. Her career stalled after back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, leading her to acting and professional wrestling.
Carano (7-1) was a trailblazer in the early days of regulated women’s MMA, securing network television fights. She lost her last bout to Cris “Cyborg” Justino in 2009, then transitioned to acting, including a role in “The Mandalorian” before a controversial dismissal over social media posts. She settled a lawsuit against Lucasfilm over the termination.
A Return Driven by Respect and Legacy
According to both fighters, the bout was Rousey’s idea. She approached Carano with a desire to face the woman who paved the way for her career. Carano expressed gratitude for Rousey’s respect and acknowledged the fight’s historical significance.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for,” Carano stated. “This is an honor.”
Jake Paul’s Expansion into MMA
MVP, previously focused on boxing, is making its first move into MMA promotion. The event will be a test for Paul’s business model in a new combat sport.
The larger trend: The line between boxing, MMA, and entertainment continues to blur. Influencer-backed promotions like MVP are disrupting traditional fight organizations, leveraging social media and high-profile matchups to attract new audiences.
The fight between Rousey and Carano is more than just a spectacle; it’s a recognition of their impact and a sign of the evolving landscape of combat sports. The event has the potential to reignite interest in the sport’s early pioneers while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of promotion and entertainment.
