Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano to face off in historic MMA fight

The two trailblazers of women's MMA will come out of retirement for a highly anticipated showdown at the Intuit Dome in California.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two of the most iconic fighters in MMA history, are set to face off in a highly anticipated fight on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Rousey, a former UFC bantamweight champion, and Carano, a pioneer of women's MMA, will headline the event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions. The fight marks a comeback for both fighters, who have been retired from MMA for several years.

Why it matters

This fight represents a historic moment for women's MMA, as two of the sport's trailblazers come together to compete one more time. Rousey and Carano were instrumental in bringing women's MMA into the mainstream, and their matchup is sure to generate significant interest from fans and the broader combat sports community.

The details

Rousey (12-2) was the first UFC bantamweight champion and a dominant force in the sport, while Carano (7-1) was considered a true pioneer in women's MMA, competing in one of the first televised female fights. Both fighters have transitioned to acting careers since their MMA retirements, but they are now set to return to the cage for this highly anticipated showdown.

  • The fight will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
  • Rousey and Carano announced the fight on February 17, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC bantamweight champion and one of the most dominant fighters in women's MMA history. Rousey has also found success in acting, appearing in films like 'Furious 7' and 'Entourage'.

Gina Carano

A pioneer of women's MMA, Carano was one of the first female fighters to compete in a televised bout. She has also transitioned to an acting career, appearing in movies like 'Fast & Furious 6' and 'Deadpool'.

Francis Ngannou

A former UFC heavyweight champion and considered the lineal heavyweight champion, Ngannou is set to return to MMA action on the Rousey-Carano undercard.

Philipe Lins

A former PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner, Lins is on a four-fight win streak and will face Ngannou on the Rousey-Carano undercard.

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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 (Twitter)

“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.”

— Gina Carano (Instagram)

What’s next

Tickets for the Rousey-Carano fight are now available on StubHub, with prices ranging from $213 to $19,398. The Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, will host the event and has specific policies in place for bags and parking.

The takeaway

The highly anticipated matchup between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano represents a historic moment for women's MMA, as two of the sport's trailblazers come together to compete one more time. This fight is sure to generate significant interest from fans and the broader combat sports community, and will serve as a testament to the growth and evolution of the sport.