Rousey Rejects Age Concerns for MMA Comeback, Citing Jones Double Standard

Netflix to host Rousey vs. Carano fight in May as part of stacked MMA card

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:04pm

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An abstract expressionist painting featuring bold, vibrant brushstrokes in neon colors that capture the raw energy and movement of two MMA fighters, their identities obscured in a dynamic, visceral display of athletic prowess.Two MMA legends return to the octagon, their age-defying comebacks sparking debate over double standards in combat sports.Inglewood Today

Ronda Rousey, who will be 39 years old when she returns to MMA competition against Gina Carano in May, has rejected concerns about her age, arguing that the same scrutiny is not applied to male fighters like Jon Jones. Rousey's comments come after fellow MMA veteran CM Punk expressed doubts about fighters competing at an older age.

Why it matters

Rousey's return to MMA at age 39, along with other veteran fighters on the card, raises questions about the longevity of elite MMA careers and whether age should be a factor in assessing a fighter's ability to compete at the highest level. Rousey's comments highlight the perceived double standard in how male and female fighters are evaluated as they approach the latter stages of their careers.

The details

Rousey's last fight was a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016, marking the end of her initial MMA run. After over nine years away, she will return to the cage to face fellow pioneer Gina Carano, who has not fought since 2009. The Rousey vs. Carano fight will headline a stacked MMA card promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and hosted by Netflix on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

  • Rousey's last fight was in December 2016.
  • Rousey will turn 39 years old in February 2026.
  • Rousey vs. Carano fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who is making a comeback to MMA competition at age 39.

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is also making a comeback after a long layoff, set to face Rousey in the main event.

Jon Jones

A prominent male MMA fighter whose age has not received the same level of scrutiny as Rousey's, according to her comments.

Jake Paul

The promoter of the MMA card where Rousey vs. Carano will headline, through his Most Valuable Promotions company.

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What they’re saying

“I never hear Jon Jones' age being brought up as a disqualifying factor. It's not like my ovaries are fighting, you know what I mean? Why are we even talking about this?”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion

“I think fighting at an older age — trust me, I am an expert on this — it's not the easiest thing to do. But she's fighting somebody who is age comparable, who also has had a long layoff. They're both big names, both big superstars. I think people are going to tune in to watch this — and I know I will.”

— CM Punk, Former MMA Fighter

What’s next

The Rousey vs. Carano fight will headline the Netflix MMA card on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's comments highlight the perceived double standard in how male and female MMA fighters are evaluated as they approach the latter stages of their careers. While the ages of veteran fighters like Rousey and Carano have been scrutinized, the same level of criticism has not been applied to male stars like Jon Jones. This raises broader questions about the longevity of elite MMA careers and whether age should be the sole factor in assessing a fighter's ability to compete at the highest level.