Ronda Rousey to Face Gina Carano in Netflix MMA Superfight

Former UFC champion Rousey reveals details on fight negotiations with Dana White

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey is set to return to MMA on May 16th, facing off against women's MMA pioneer-turned-Hollywood actress Gina Carano. The fight will headline Most Valuable Promotion's first MMA event and stream exclusively on Netflix. Rousey revealed that she had discussed the fight with UFC President Dana White, but it ultimately did not work out with the UFC.

Why it matters

Rousey's return to MMA is a highly anticipated event, as she was one of the most dominant champions in UFC history before retiring in 2016. The fight against Carano, another trailblazer for women's MMA, adds an extra layer of significance. The fact that the fight will stream on Netflix also marks a shift in how major MMA events are distributed.

The details

Rousey said the fight had been discussed for over a year and was even on Dana White's radar for a time. However, the UFC ultimately passed on the matchup, with White stating he is not interested in 'gimmick fights.' The fight will now take place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, just miles from where Rousey helped introduce women's MMA to the mainstream. The California State Athletic Commission will oversee the sanctioning process, requiring extensive medical testing for both fighters.

  • Rousey and Carano's fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
  • Rousey was the UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion from 2013 to 2015.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC Bantamweight Champion who helped establish the women's division in the promotion. She is returning to MMA to face Gina Carano in a highly anticipated superfight.

Gina Carano

A women's MMA pioneer who transitioned to a successful acting career in Hollywood. She will face Ronda Rousey in the main event of Most Valuable Promotion's first MMA event.

Dana White

The President of the UFC, who discussed the possibility of the Rousey vs. Carano fight taking place under the UFC banner but ultimately passed on the matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I reached out to Dana and asked him if he would be interested in it. It didn't exactly work out with the UFC, but it led us here today.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion (SportsCenter)

“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 'em.”

— Andy Foster, California State Athletic Commission (ESPN)

What’s next

The California State Athletic Commission will oversee the sanctioning process for the Rousey vs. Carano fight, requiring extensive medical testing for both fighters.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's return to MMA, facing off against fellow trailblazer Gina Carano, represents a historic moment for the sport. While the fight did not materialize under the UFC banner as originally discussed, its move to Netflix signals a shift in how major MMA events are distributed and consumed by fans.