Ronda Rousey Confirms Gina Carano Fight Will Be Her MMA Finale

Former UFC champion says she's 'completely done' after one more bout, with plans to focus on family.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the intense action and energy of a women's MMA fight, with sharp planes of color and form representing the combatants.Two pioneering women's MMA fighters face off one last time in a visually striking, cubist-inspired illustration.NYC Today

Ronda Rousey, the former UFC women's bantamweight champion, has confirmed that her upcoming fight against fellow MMA pioneer Gina Carano will be her last. Rousey, 39, said she promised her husband that she's 'completely done' with fighting after this bout, as the couple wants to have more children. The fight will headline the first MMA event streamed on Netflix, produced by Most Valuable Promotions.

Why it matters

Rousey was a trailblazer for women's MMA, becoming the first UFC women's champion and helping bring the sport into the mainstream. Her return to the cage, even if just for one more fight, is a significant event for the sport. The matchup with Carano, another early star of women's MMA, adds historical significance as well.

The details

Rousey, who won 8 consecutive title fights in Strikeforce and the UFC from 2012-2015, said she never felt the pull to fight again after her back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes in 2015 and 2016. But a request from her coach to help him earn his judo black belt reignited her passion for the sport. Rousey then reached out to UFC president Dana White about a potential fight with Carano, but the two sides couldn't agree on Rousey's asking price. The fight was ultimately booked by Most Valuable Promotions to headline their first MMA event on Netflix.

  • Rousey and Carano's fight is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
  • Rousey last competed in MMA nearly 9.5 years ago, in December 2016.
  • Carano last competed in MMA nearly 17 years ago, in August 2009.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion and Olympic bronze medalist in judo, Rousey was a trailblazer for women's MMA and helped bring the sport into the mainstream.

Gina Carano

One of the first big stars of women's MMA, Carano competed professionally from 2006-2009 and was a pioneer for the sport.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who was unable to come to an agreement with Rousey for her return fight.

Jake Paul

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the company promoting Rousey's return fight.

Nakisa Bidarian

The co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, the company promoting Rousey's return fight.

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What they’re saying

“I promised my husband that I'm completely done, and we want to have more kids, and I really just can't take any more detours.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Champion

“This idea came from a pregnant lady sitting on an office chair and having an idea ... and I couldn't be more proud to be aligned with these men that are legends of the sport, that are believing in what we believe in and are dreaming the same dream.”

— Ronda Rousey, Former UFC Champion

What’s next

If Rousey and Carano's fight is well-received, it could lead to More Valuable Promotions hosting more regular MMA events on Netflix.

The takeaway

Ronda Rousey's return to MMA for one final fight against Gina Carano represents the end of an era, as two pioneers of women's combat sports come together one last time. Rousey's focus on family after this bout signals a new chapter, but her legacy as a trailblazer will endure.