Rousey vs Carano: The Epic MMA Return, Fight of the Year Confirmed

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The highly anticipated fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, scheduled for May 16, promises to be the biggest event in the history of mixed martial arts, according to statements from both fighters. Rousey and Carano made their first public appearance on Tuesday to promote their return to the octagon at the Intuit Dome.

This is the biggest fight in MMA right now. There are no two people in this sport with more international recognition than Gina and I.

Ronda RouseyBoth athletes were pioneers in the beginnings of women’s MMA. Carano became a television star in the 2000s, before Rousey convinced the UFC to create women’s divisions in the 2010s. However, both figures stepped away from the sport to focus on their careers in the entertainment world. Carano, who will turn 44 next month, hasn’t fought since 2009, while Rousey, 39, last competed in 2016 before having two children. The fight has been anticipated for years, despite the detours in both fighters’ careers.

We only live once, and this makes me feel alive.

Gina Carano

Carano revealed that she married her longtime partner, Muay Thai fighter Kevin Ross. Rousey, who was pregnant when she proposed the fight more than a year ago, commented that this is the only fight she wanted to return for. Rousey criticized the UFC for a financial offer she considered inferior to the one she is receiving for this fight. Although she initially wanted to return to the main promoter of the sport, she rejected their offer.

Now it’s about changing the entire sports landscape and challenging the monolith that the UFC has become.

Ronda Rousey

The event is being promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, by Jake Paul, who hopes to promote more MMA events in the future. Rousey is also heavily involved in the promotion. The fight, scheduled for five five-minute rounds, will be the main event at the new arena of LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, south of downtown Los Angeles. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will also participate in the card, facing Philipe Lins. Ngannou, 39 years old, obtained his release from the Professional Fighters League last week.