Ronda Rousey Overcomes Rivalry, Teams Up With Former Foe Ahead of MMA Comeback

The UFC Hall of Famer will face Gina Carano next month in a fight promoted by Jake Paul's MVP and streamed live on Netflix.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:52am

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MMA and pro-wrestling veteran Ronda Rousey has revealed details of an unexpected MMA team-up with Ricky Lundell, her former rival, ahead of her return to the octagon. Rousey, who parted ways with MMA in 2016 to pursue a career in pro-wrestling, is now set to make her comeback against Gina Carano next month. Despite their past rivalry, Rousey has now overcome her differences with Lundell, who once coached against her, and the two have formed a productive working relationship.

Why it matters

Rousey's return to MMA is highly anticipated, and her decision to team up with a former rival in Lundell adds an intriguing narrative to her comeback. The fight against Carano, which will be streamed live on Netflix as part of Jake Paul's MVP promotion, also represents a unique crossover event that could generate significant interest in the sport.

The details

Rousey and Lundell's relationship was once marked by animosity, as Lundell had coached against Rousey when she fought Miesha Tate. Rousey found Lundell's excessive politeness to be patronizing, and she admitted to hating him. However, over time, Rousey's perspective changed as she got to know Lundell better through his work with her husband, Travis Browne. Lundell's friendship and coaching eventually helped Rousey overcome a bout of depression, and the two have now formed a close working relationship, with Lundell becoming Rousey's first-ever black belt in judo.

  • Rousey and Lundell's rivalry dates back to 2012, when Lundell coached against Rousey in her fight against Miesha Tate.
  • Rousey and Lundell's relationship has evolved over the years, with Lundell becoming Rousey's coach and mentor.
  • Rousey is scheduled to make her MMA comeback against Gina Carano in May 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion and MMA and pro-wrestling veteran who is making a comeback to the octagon.

Ricky Lundell

Rousey's former rival who is now her coach and mentor, having helped her overcome a bout of depression.

Gina Carano

Rousey's opponent in her upcoming MMA comeback fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix as part of Jake Paul's MVP promotion.

Travis Browne

Rousey's husband, who was also coached by Lundell in the past.

Miesha Tate

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who Rousey defeated twice, with Lundell coaching against her in their second fight.

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What they’re saying

“We were mortal enemies, started off as mortal enemies. He was coaching against me on The Ultimate Fighter and he was so nice; I was like, 'This motherf***** is so patronising and fake,' and I hated his guts.”

— Ronda Rousey

“This is a common theme, by the way, that he's so nice that everyone was like: 'This motherf***** is not for real. He's really just being a passive-aggressive asshole.' But he's actually the nicest motherf*****, actually the nicest person you will ever meet – so nice that you don't think it's real.”

— Ronda Rousey

“I went from hating his guts to him changing my life for the better, and I'll be eternally grateful. It's been the greatest experience ever. He is my first ever black belt in judo. He started out as my student and now I'm his student.”

— Ronda Rousey

What’s next

Ronda Rousey is scheduled to face Gina Carano in her MMA comeback fight on May 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix as part of Jake Paul's MVP promotion.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's unexpected team-up with her former rival Ricky Lundell highlights the power of forgiveness and the ability to overcome past differences in pursuit of professional growth and personal development. This story serves as an inspiring example of how even the most bitter rivalries can be transformed into productive partnerships when individuals are willing to put aside their differences and focus on the greater good.