Ronda Rousey to Make Highly Anticipated MMA Comeback

Jake Paul's MVP Promotion to Host Rousey vs. Carano Fight on Netflix

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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After nearly a decade away from MMA, former UFC champion Ronda Rousey is set to make her return to the Octagon, taking on Gina Carano in a featherweight bout promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and streamed live on Netflix. The fight will mark Rousey's first MMA appearance since her 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes, while Carano will be making her first cage appearance in 17 years.

Why it matters

Rousey's return to MMA is a major event, as she was one of the sport's biggest stars during her dominant UFC title reign. The fight against Carano, another prominent MMA pioneer, adds to the intrigue. Paul's involvement through his MVP promotion also brings additional star power and exposure to the event by leveraging his large social media following.

The details

The Rousey vs. Carano fight will take place on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. The bout will be contested at featherweight (145 lbs) and is scheduled for five rounds, similar to a UFC title fight or main event. Rousey holds a 2-2 MMA record with 3 KOs and 9 submissions, while Carano has a 7-1 record with 3 KOs and 1 submission.

  • Rousey's last MMA fight was a loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016.
  • Carano's last MMA fight was in 2009.
  • The Rousey vs. Carano fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA history, Rousey is returning to the sport after nearly a decade away.

Gina Carano

A pioneer of women's MMA, Carano holds a 7-1 professional record and will be making her first fight appearance in 17 years.

Jake Paul

The YouTuber-turned-boxer's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) company is promoting the Rousey vs. Carano fight, which will stream live on Netflix.

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What they’re saying

“Surreal moment. I started taking judo because of Ronda Rousey. Now I get to work with her and Gina Carano to bring MMA to Netflix. Here we go...”

— Jake Paul (Twitter)

What’s next

The Rousey vs. Carano fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and will stream live on Netflix through Jake Paul's MVP promotion.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's highly anticipated MMA return against fellow pioneer Gina Carano, promoted by Jake Paul's MVP, represents a major event that will bring additional star power and exposure to the sport through the Netflix streaming platform.