Gina Carano set for comeback fight vs. Ronda Rousey

Five things to know about the women's MMA pioneer as she returns to the octagon

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Gina Carano, the women's MMA pioneer, has agreed to fight Ronda Rousey on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, marking her first professional fight since 2009. Carano had a legendary MMA career in the mid-2000s, winning her first seven fights before losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009 and retiring. She then transitioned into acting, starring in films like 'Haywire' and 'Deadpool', and landing a role in the hit TV series 'The Mandalorian' in 2019. However, Carano was later fired from Lucasfilm following a controversial tweet, though she continued her film career after the fallout.

Why it matters

Carano's comeback fight against Rousey is a highly anticipated matchup, as it pits two of the biggest names in women's MMA history against each other. The bout will be streamed live on Netflix, indicating the significant interest and viewership it is expected to generate.

The details

Carano's first-ever pro fight came in 2006, and she went on to win her first seven fights before losing to Cris Cyborg in 2009, after which she retired from MMA. She then transitioned into acting, starring in several films and landing a role in 'The Mandalorian' in 2019. However, Carano was later fired from Lucasfilm following a controversial tweet, though she continued her film career after the fallout.

  • Carano's first pro fight was on June 10, 2006.
  • Carano lost to Cris Cyborg in August 2009 and retired afterward.
  • Carano was fired from Lucasfilm in 2021 following a controversial tweet.
  • Carano's comeback fight against Ronda Rousey is scheduled for May 16, 2026.

The players

Gina Carano

A women's MMA pioneer who had a legendary career in the mid-2000s before transitioning into acting, starring in films like 'Haywire' and 'Deadpool', and landing a role in the hit TV series 'The Mandalorian'.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who will face Carano in the highly anticipated comeback fight.

Jake Paul

The founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the company that is putting on the Carano vs. Rousey fight.

Cris Cyborg

The fighter who defeated Carano in her final MMA bout in 2009, leading to her retirement from the sport.

Glenn Carano

Gina Carano's father, who played as a quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys from the late 1970s to 1983.

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What’s next

The highly anticipated Carano vs. Rousey fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout will be streamed live on Netflix.

The takeaway

Gina Carano's comeback fight against Ronda Rousey is a significant event in the world of women's MMA, as it pits two of the sport's biggest stars against each other. Carano's transition from a successful MMA career to a career in acting, and the controversy surrounding her departure from Lucasfilm, have only added to the intrigue surrounding this matchup.