Ronda Rousey Helped Secure Gina Carano's UFC Comeback Fight

Carano reveals Rousey's crucial role in negotiations after UFC talks stalled

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract mixed martial arts fight, with the fighters' bodies and faces broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors.The long-awaited showdown between MMA legends Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey will finally come to life, thanks to Rousey's personal intervention to make the fight happen.Los Angeles Today

Gina Carano's long-awaited return to MMA is set for May 16th, but the fight won't be happening in the UFC. Instead, Carano says former UFC champion Ronda Rousey played a critical role in bringing the bout together when negotiations with the promotion fell apart. Rousey personally reached out to Carano and helped facilitate the fight's move to Most Valuable Promotions' first MMA event on Netflix.

Why it matters

This fight has been speculated for years, but the inability to finalize it through the UFC had left many fans disappointed. Rousey's personal involvement in reviving the matchup shows her continued passion for the sport and her willingness to use her influence to make big fights happen, even if it means going outside the UFC's ecosystem.

The details

Carano revealed that while returning to the UFC had always been a personal goal, the opportunity never materialized. However, when negotiations stalled, Rousey stepped in, calling Carano personally and meeting up to discuss making the fight happen. Rousey was able to push past the 'suits' who were complicating the deal, leading to the bout being booked through Most Valuable Promotions.

  • Gina Carano's return fight is set for May 16, 2026.
  • Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano had dinner to discuss the fight after UFC negotiations stalled.

The players

Gina Carano

A former MMA fighter and actress who is set to make her long-awaited return to the sport on May 16th.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC Bantamweight champion who played a crucial role in reviving the fight between Carano and herself after talks with the UFC fell through.

Hunter Campbell

A key figure in the Dana White-led UFC organization who Rousey claims was intentionally complicating the negotiations and trying to steer her toward different opponents.

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What they’re saying

“I really wanted to do the UFC, to make that walk, but I think that Ronda, she led the way... she led the way 100%. I just said yes.”

— Gina Carano, MMA Fighter

“He was really trying to like sabotage the deal and get me to fight other people and misrepresenting Gina, saying she wasn't serious and wasn't going to make the weight.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion

What’s next

The fight between Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey is set to take place on May 16, 2026 as the first MMA event for Most Valuable Promotions on Netflix.

The takeaway

This high-profile matchup between two of MMA's biggest stars shows the continued influence and passion that Ronda Rousey has for the sport, even years after her own retirement. Her willingness to personally intervene and push the fight forward when negotiations stalled demonstrates her commitment to making big fights happen, even if it means going outside the traditional UFC framework.