Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Intensive Medical Examinations Before the Fight

The expected comeback fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano has generated great anticipation. The California State Athletic Commission has announced additional safety measures to ensure the health of the fighters.

Rigorous Medical Tests

Rousey and Carano will have to undergo more thorough medical and neurological tests than usual for combat sports athletes. Rousey, in particular, will be subjected to concussion assessment tests.

We are going to subject her to neurological tests and concussion evaluation to make sure she is okay. Our doctors will review the results. Both fighters will have to undergo numerous medical examinations.

Andy Foster, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission

The fight, which will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marks the return of Rousey, former UFC bantamweight champion, and Carano, a pioneer of women’s MMA. Rousey, 39, hasn’t fought since 2016, while Carano, who will turn 44 on the day of the fight, last competed in 2009. The concern about concussions arose after a Rousey appearance on Instagram Live two years ago, where she revealed her history of concussions since her time in judo. Due to Carano’s age and prolonged inactivity, additional tests will also be required.

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Cardiac tests
• Stress echocardiogram
• Neurocognitive tests
• Blood tests
• Metabolic panel
• Eye exam

Foster has assured that, although the commission has rejected several fights over the years, it has not opposed this one. “As long as these women pass their medical exams and all their neurological tests, and do what they need to do, there is nothing wrong with this fight,” he added.