Gina Carano Scores Massive Netflix Payday for Ronda Rousey Fight After Disney Disaster

The former MMA star is returning to the cage for a blockbuster streaming event after a high-profile firing and legal battle.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Gina Carano, the former star of women's mixed martial arts, has secured a massive fight against Ronda Rousey that will stream live on Netflix on May 16, 2026. The fight comes after Carano was fired from her role in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian" in 2021 over a controversial social media post, leading to a legal battle that she ultimately settled with the company. Carano used her time away from the spotlight to build a following that values resilience, and now she's returning to the arena that made her a star.

Why it matters

Carano's fight against Rousey represents the final chapter of a long, redemptive journey for the former MMA star. Her dismissal from "The Mandalorian" exposed a perceived double standard at Disney, as her co-star Pedro Pascal faced no consequences for his own politically charged social media posts. Carano's decision to challenge the corporate structure in court and ultimately reach a settlement with Disney marked a decisive retreat for the company, and her return to the cage is seen as a symbol of survival against the machine.

The details

Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions have announced that Gina Carano will face off against Ronda Rousey at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on May 16, 2026. The fight will be a massive streaming event broadcast live to Netflix's 300 million subscribers. Carano was fired from her role in "The Mandalorian" in 2021 after sharing a post that urged empathy and warned against neighbors turning on neighbors over politics. The reaction was unforgiving, with Disney and Lucasfilm labeling her views "abhorrent" and cutting ties. Carano challenged the decision in court, and in August 2025, Disney chose to settle the case, marking a retreat from its prior public stance.

  • Gina Carano was fired from "The Mandalorian" in 2021.
  • In August 2025, Disney settled Carano's lawsuit over her firing.
  • Carano's fight against Ronda Rousey will take place on May 16, 2026.

The players

Gina Carano

A former star of women's mixed martial arts who was fired from her role in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian" in 2021 over a controversial social media post, leading to a legal battle that she ultimately settled with the company.

Ronda Rousey

A former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who is set to face off against Gina Carano in a blockbuster streaming event on Netflix.

Pedro Pascal

Carano's co-star in "The Mandalorian" who faced no consequences for his own politically charged social media posts, exposing a perceived double standard at Disney.

Elon Musk

The billionaire who publicly backed Carano in her legal battle against Disney.

Disney

The entertainment conglomerate that fired Carano from "The Mandalorian" and later settled her lawsuit over the decision.

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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 (X)

“I have come to an agreement with Disney/Lucasfilm, which I believe is the best outcome for all parties involved. I hope this brings some healing to the force. I am humbled and grateful to God for His love and grace in this outcome ... I am excited to flip the page and move on to the next chapter. My desires remain in the arts, which is where I hope you will join me. Yes, I'm smiling.”

— Gina Carano (X)

What’s next

The fight between Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey is scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The takeaway

Gina Carano's return to the cage represents a triumph over the corporate forces that sought to sideline her career, and her fight against Ronda Rousey is a highly anticipated event that will showcase her resilience and the enduring appeal of women's combat sports.