Ronda Rousey to Undergo Concussion Tests for Comeback Fight

Former UFC champion will face Gina Carano in May bout, requiring extensive medical clearance.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Ronda Rousey, the former UFC bantamweight champion, will be required to undergo extensive neurological and concussion testing before being cleared to face Gina Carano in a five-round featherweight bout on May 16 in Los Angeles. Rousey has previously revealed a history of concussions from her time in judo and MMA that forced her to retire, and the California State Athletic Commission wants to ensure her fighting fitness before approving the high-profile comeback fight.

Why it matters

Rousey's concussion history has been a closely guarded secret, but now the details are emerging as she attempts a return to professional fighting. This case highlights the ongoing challenges around head trauma in combat sports and the need for rigorous medical oversight to protect athlete safety, especially for veterans like Rousey with a documented history of brain injuries.

The details

Rousey will have to pass a battery of neurological and concussion tests administered by the California State Athletic Commission before being cleared to fight Carano, who is 43 years old and hasn't competed professionally since 2009. Commission executive director Andy Foster said there was never a consideration to deny the fight, but the extensive medical testing is necessary to ensure Rousey's health and safety.

  • Rousey hasn't competed in MMA since a December 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes.
  • Rousey revealed her concussion history approximately two years ago during an Instagram Live session.
  • The Rousey vs. Carano fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026 in Los Angeles.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC bantamweight champion who is attempting a comeback fight against Gina Carano after revealing a history of concussions that forced her to retire from MMA.

Gina Carano

A women's MMA pioneer who will face Rousey in a five-round featherweight bout, marking her first professional fight since 2009.

Andy Foster

The executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, which is requiring Rousey and Carano to undergo extensive medical testing before approving their comeback fight.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to put [Rousey] 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 'em.”

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

“As long as these women pass their medicals and pass all their neurological batteries and do the things they need to do, there's nothing wrong with this fight.”

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

What’s next

The California State Athletic Commission will review the results of Rousey and Carano's medical tests in the coming weeks to determine if they will be cleared to compete in the May 16 fight.

The takeaway

Rousey's concussion history has been a closely guarded secret, but now the details are emerging as she attempts a return to professional fighting. This case highlights the ongoing challenges around head trauma in combat sports and the need for rigorous medical oversight to protect athlete safety, especially for veterans like Rousey with a documented history of brain injuries.