Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to Headline First MMA Event on Netflix

The upcoming fight between the MMA legends is a clash of the past and a glimpse into the future of combat sports streaming.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The highly anticipated fight between former MMA stars Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano is set to headline the first live MMA event on Netflix on May 16th. The fight, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, taps into a powerful nostalgia factor as it pits two of the sport's pioneering female fighters against each other. While both fighters have been retired for years, the demand for this matchup has persisted, leading promoter Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions to secure the rights to stream the event globally on Netflix.

Why it matters

This fight represents a significant shift in the combat sports landscape, as major streaming platforms like Netflix continue to expand their reach into live event programming. The decision to stream the Rousey-Carano fight on Netflix bypasses traditional pay-per-view models, potentially reaching a wider audience and providing valuable data insights to promoters. Additionally, the success of this event could influence other promoters to explore similar 'superfights' between established stars, even if their prime competitive years are behind them.

The details

Both Rousey and Carano have been out of active competition for several years, with Carano retiring in 2009 and Rousey in 2016. However, the demand for this matchup has remained strong, as the two fighters represent important milestones in the growth of women's MMA. Carano was a pioneer who paved the way for women in the sport, while Rousey became the first mainstream female MMA superstar. The fight will take place at the featherweight (145 lb) division, a weight class that has historically been less prominent in major MMA organizations.

  • The Rousey-Carano fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
  • Carano retired from MMA competition in 2009.
  • Rousey retired from MMA competition in 2016.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former Olympic medalist in judo and one of the first mainstream female MMA superstars, Rousey had a professional MMA record of 12-2 before retiring in 2016.

Gina Carano

A pioneer of women's MMA, Carano had a professional record of 7-1 before retiring in 2009 and paving the way for future female fighters.

Jake Paul

The promoter of the event through his company, Most Valuable Promotions, which has found success in staging similar 'superfights' in boxing.

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What’s next

Promoters will face increasing scrutiny to ensure the well-being of fighters participating in these events, potentially leading to stricter regulations and more comprehensive medical protocols. The long-term health of athletes will be a key consideration as these types of fights gain popularity.

The takeaway

The Rousey-Carano fight represents a significant shift in the combat sports landscape, as major streaming platforms like Netflix continue to expand their reach into live event programming. This event could pave the way for more 'superfights' between established stars, even if their prime competitive years are behind them, as promoters seek to capitalize on nostalgia and established fan bases.