Holm Weighs In on Rousey vs Carano Comeback Fight

Former UFC champion Holly Holm analyzes the highly anticipated MMA matchup between two legends.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Former UFC women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will make her long-awaited return to MMA on May 16, 2026, when she faces off against Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Rousey, 39, last fought in December 2016, while Carano, 43, hasn't competed since August 2009. Holly Holm, who famously defeated Rousey in 2015, shared her thoughts on the matchup, saying that the fighter who sticks to their game plan will likely emerge victorious.

Why it matters

This fight marks the return of two of the most iconic figures in women's MMA history. Rousey's dominance of the 135-pound division was unparalleled, while Carano was one of the first female fighters to gain mainstream attention. Their matchup is sure to generate significant interest and could set the stage for a potential fight between the winner and Holm, who is the current WBA boxing lightweight champion.

The details

Rousey, 39, last fought in December 2016, when she was knocked out by a head kick from Holly Holm. Carano, 43, hasn't competed since August 2009. The two legends will square off on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Holm, who is scheduled to defend her WBA boxing lightweight title in a rematch against Stephanie Han on May 30, said that the fighter who sticks to their game plan will likely come out on top in the Rousey-Carano matchup.

  • Rousey last fought in December 2016.
  • Carano hasn't competed since August 2009.
  • Rousey vs. Carano is scheduled for May 16, 2026.
  • Holm's title defense against Han is set for May 30, 2026.

The players

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC women's bantamweight champion who held the title for more than three years before suffering a knockout loss to Holly Holm in 2015. Rousey, 39, is making her long-awaited return to MMA.

Gina Carano

A pioneer of women's MMA who was one of the first female fighters to gain mainstream attention. Carano, 43, hasn't competed since August 2009 but is now set to face Rousey in a highly anticipated matchup.

Holly Holm

The former UFC women's bantamweight champion who famously defeated Rousey in 2015 with a head kick knockout. Holm is the current WBA boxing lightweight champion and is scheduled to defend her title in a rematch against Stephanie Han on May 30, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I think whoever sticks to their game plan is going to come out with the win. Gina hasn't been in there in a long time, but she's also not a stranger to the spotlight. She was one of the first females to be on cable television as a main event. And so she's been there. She's not a stranger to it. Same thing with Ronda.”

— Holly Holm (FightHype)

What’s next

The winner of the Rousey-Carano fight could potentially face Holly Holm in an MMA bout, as Holm has expressed interest in taking on the victor.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated matchup between two legends of women's MMA will be a true test of who has what it takes to emerge victorious after years away from the sport. The winner could set the stage for a potential showdown with Holly Holm, who has proven herself to be one of the elite fighters in the division.