Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to End MMA Retirements, Fight in May

The two pioneering women's MMA fighters will face off in a highly anticipated bout promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two of the most iconic figures in women's mixed martial arts history, have announced they will end their lengthy retirements to fight each other on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and broadcast on Netflix.

Why it matters

Rousey and Carano were trailblazers who helped bring women's MMA into the mainstream, with Carano leading the sport's early television exposure and Rousey becoming the UFC's first female champion and a major crossover star. Their long-awaited matchup will be a significant event for MMA fans and a chance to celebrate the sport's evolution.

The details

Rousey (12-2) and Carano (7-1) will fight at 145 pounds for five five-minute rounds. Rousey, 39, hasn't competed since 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano's MMA career ended in 2009. Despite their lengthy absences, both remain iconic figures in the sport's history.

  • The fight will take place on May 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A pioneering women's MMA fighter who became the UFC's first female champion and one of the biggest stars in the sport's history.

Gina Carano

One of the first women to compete in sanctioned MMA fights, Carano helped bring the sport into the mainstream through her successful television career.

Jake Paul

The influencer-turned-boxer who is promoting the Rousey-Carano fight through his combat sports promotion, Most Valuable Promotions.

Nakisa Bidarian

Paul's business partner who is co-promoting the event through Most Valuable Promotions.

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What they’re saying

“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! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”

— Ronda Rousey

“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. 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.”

— Gina Carano

What’s next

The highly anticipated Rousey-Carano fight will take place on May 16, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The takeaway

The return of Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two of the most influential figures in women's MMA history, represents a significant moment for the sport and its fans. Their matchup will celebrate the progress made in women's combat sports and the lasting impact these trailblazers have had on the industry.