Gina Carano Wanted UFC Fight With Ronda Rousey

Former MMA stars to headline new MVP MMA event on Netflix

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:30am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an MMA fight scene, conceptually representing the long-awaited clash between Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey.The highly anticipated Carano-Rousey MMA matchup will finally take place, but in a new promotion and with a fresh, cubist artistic interpretation.Los Angeles Today

Gina Carano has revealed that she really wanted to fight Ronda Rousey in the UFC, but Rousey didn't want it to happen. Instead, the two will headline the first event for the new MVP MMA promotion on Netflix on May 16, with Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz as the co-main event.

Why it matters

This matchup between Carano and Rousey has been highly anticipated by MMA fans for years, and the fact that it's finally happening, albeit on a new promotion, is a significant event in the sport. The involvement of other big-name fighters like Ngannou and Diaz also adds to the intrigue and potential success of this new MMA venture.

The details

Carano said she had several conversations with UFC president Dana White about fighting Rousey, but Rousey ultimately didn't want it to happen. So Carano decided to take Rousey's lead and join her in the new MVP MMA promotion, which will be streamed on Netflix. The event will also feature a co-main event between heavyweights Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz.

  • Carano and Rousey will headline the first MVP MMA event on May 16, 2026.
  • Carano had talks with Dana White about fighting Rousey in the UFC last year.

The players

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter who is making a comeback to headline the new MVP MMA promotion against Ronda Rousey.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who will headline the first MVP MMA event against Gina Carano.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who had conversations with Gina Carano about a potential fight against Ronda Rousey in the UFC.

Francis Ngannou

A heavyweight fighter who will compete in the co-main event of the first MVP MMA event.

Nate Diaz

A veteran MMA fighter who will compete in the co-main event of the first MVP MMA event.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I really wanted to do the UFC and make that walk. But, I think that Ronda, she led the way. I don't know (how close it got), that would be between Ronda and Dana. She led the way 1000%, I was like, I just said yes.”

— Gina Carano, MMA Fighter

What’s next

The first MVP MMA event featuring the Carano vs. Rousey main event and the Ngannou vs. Diaz co-main event will take place on May 16, 2026 and stream exclusively on Netflix.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the biggest names in women's MMA history, Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey, has been a long time coming. While it didn't materialize in the UFC as many fans had hoped, the two will finally square off in the inaugural event of the new MVP MMA promotion, adding significant star power and intrigue to this new MMA venture.