In a matchup that bridges eras of women’s mixed martial arts, Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are set to collide on May 16 under the banner of Most Valuable Promotions at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The long-speculated showdown pairs two of the sport’s most recognizable pioneers in a bout that carries both competitive intrigue and historic weight, marking a rare cross-chapter meeting between foundational stars of women’s MMA.
MVP Promotions announced the matchup on Tuesday.
“Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history,” Rousey said in the press release.
“And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion MVP as well as the biggest and baddest streamer on the planet Netflix. This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more”
Rousey (12-2) has not competed in an MMA bout since 2016, when she fell short in her bid to reclaim the UFC bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. She later transitioned to a run in WWE before stepping away from the spotlight, at least until this latest announcement.
Rousey has posted training footage in recent months, fueling speculation that a return to combat sports could be on the horizon. Clips of her striking and grappling sessions quickly circulated online, prompting renewed discussion about whether the former champion still had unfinished business. Until now, however, those hints had stopped short of confirming anything concrete.
Carano (7-1) has been out of competition even longer, last stepping into the cage in 2009 when she suffered a loss to Cris Cyborg under the Strikeforce banner. A planned return in 2011 never materialized after she was not medically cleared to compete, effectively closing the chapter on her fighting career, until now.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano said in the press release.
“She thanked me for opening up doors for her in her career and was respectful in asking for this fight to happen. This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome. This is as much for Ronda and me as it is for the fans and mixed martial arts community. What a time to be alive.”
The bout is set to take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, CA on May 16.