Former UFC megastar Ronda Rousey and women's MMA pioneer Gina Carano are set to face off in a five-round bout scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, with the fight to be broadcast live on Netflix. The announcement was made by MVP (Most Valuable Promotions) and represents a major comeback for both fighters, with Rousey's first fight since 2014 and Carano's first since 2009. This partnership between MVP, Valuable Promotions, and Netflix marks a significant moment for women's MMA and could signal the beginning of renewed fighting careers for both legendary competitors.
Most Valuable Promotions has officially announced a five-round women's MMA bout between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The fight will stream live on Netflix, the result of a joint promotional effort between MVP, Valuable Promotions, and the streaming giant.
Rousey, nicknamed "Rowdy," enters the contest with a career record of 12-2 at 39 years old. The American fighter, who trains with Team Hayastan, stands five-foot-seven with a 66-inch reach. She built her legacy on relentless grappling pressure, averaging 6.26 takedowns per 15 minutes across her career while recording submission attempts at a rate of 4.8 per 15 minutes. Her striking accuracy sits at 52 percent. The bout represents her first competitive appearance since 2014.
Carano, known as "Conviction," carries a record of 7-1 into the matchup at 44 years old. The Xtreme Couture product stands five-foot-eight and fights out of an orthodox stance. She averaged 4.5 significant strikes per minute with 47 percent accuracy during her career and showed a well-rounded game with 1.24 takedowns and 1.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Carano has not fought since 2009, making this an extended return to competition spanning more than 16 years.
Why it matters
- Both fighters are returning after lengthy absences, with a combined 29 years away from competition between them.
- The Netflix platform gives the bout mainstream visibility well beyond traditional MMA audiences.
- Rousey's elite grappling credentials against Carano's durable, well-rounded skill set creates a stylistically compelling pairing.
- The promotion signals continued investment in high-profile women's MMA outside the UFC structure.
