Rousey and Carano to Face Extensive Testing Ahead of MMA Superfight

California commission to put former UFC champions through neurological and concussion exams before Netflix bout

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano will undergo extensive medical testing, including neurological and concussion exams, before their highly anticipated MMA superfight on Netflix in May. The California State Athletic Commission, which will oversee the bout, says both fighters will have to complete a battery of medical checks to ensure their safety given their lengthy absences from competition.

Why it matters

Rousey's history of hiding concussions during her UFC career has raised concerns about her long-term health, while Carano’s last fight was over 15 years ago. The commission wants to take extra precautions to protect the fighters’ wellbeing ahead of their return to the octagon.

The details

The featherweight fight between Rousey (12-2) and Carano (7-1) is being promoted by Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions and will take place on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Commission director Andy Foster told ESPN that both fighters will undergo extensive medical testing, including neurological exams and concussion evaluations, to ensure they are fit to compete given their lengthy absences from MMA.

  • Rousey last competed in the UFC in December 2016, losing to Amanda Nunes.
  • Carano’s last fight was in August 2009, when she lost to Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title.
  • The Rousey vs. Carano superfight is scheduled for May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women’s bantamweight champion who was the first female fighter signed to the promotion. Rousey has not competed in MMA since 2016 and has a history of hiding concussions.

Gina Carano

A former Strikeforce women’s featherweight title challenger who transitioned to acting after her last fight in 2009. Carano will be 44 years old at the time of the bout against Rousey.

Andy Foster

The director of the California State Athletic Commission, which will oversee the Rousey vs. Carano fight.

Jake Paul

The founder of MVP Promotions, which is putting together the Rousey vs. Carano superfight for Netflix.

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What they’re saying

“We’re going to put her through neurological and concussion battery testing and make sure she’s OK. We’re going to have our doctors take a look. The fighters are going to have to do a lot of medicals, both of them.”

— Andy Foster, Director, California State Athletic Commission (ESPN)

What’s next

The California commission will decide in the coming weeks whether to allow Rousey and Carano to compete in the May 16 superfight based on the results of their extensive medical evaluations.

The takeaway

This high-profile MMA comeback fight highlights the importance of strict medical oversight, especially for veteran fighters returning to competition after long absences. The commission’s focus on protecting the health and safety of Rousey and Carano is a prudent measure given the potential risks involved.