Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano was arguably the biggest women’s fight in MMA a decade ago. A little later than ideal, it seems fans are being treated to a nostalgic fantasy bout when the two pillars of WMMA collide later this year.
‘Rowdy’ has found success in the WWE and several other business ventures since confirming her departure from the UFC 10 years ago. After spending a good portion of her life away from mixed martial arts, with no true sign of a return, the 39-year-old recently announced that she would be making her way back into the cage, against an old foe.
Aside from a loss to Cris Cyborg, Gina Carano has been flawless in combat sports. Carano cemented herself as a powerhouse throughout her career and competed at a higher weight class than Rousey, giving her a clear weight and power advantage.
The Rousey vs. Carano announcement came as a total surprise, but it has fans already discussing who will come out on top.
“Been waiting so long to announce this,” Rousey said on social media. “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!”
“And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion, Most Valuable Promotions, as well as the baddest streamer on the planet, Netflix! This is for all MMA fans, past, present, and future. More to come. Much More.”
The news was met with criticism from Rousey’s long-term rival, Cris Cyborg.
🤡 all those years of ducking me at 145 when we were both in our prime?!
I thought you had CTE or something?
— CrisCy₿org.Com (@criscyborg) February 17, 2026
Also joining the conversation were notable UFC and combat sports athletes, most of whom loved the fight reveal.
Conor McGregor reacts to the news of Rousey and Carano returning to MMA pic.twitter.com/leAjMYT4OF
— The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) February 17, 2026
— Invicta FC (@InvictaFights) February 17, 2026
Damn they really put RONDA ROUSEY vs. GINA CARANO together ! I’m intrigued 🔥🔥🔥
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 17, 2026
Surreal moment. I started taking judo because of Ronda Rousey. Now I get to work with her and Gina Carano to bring MMA to Netflix. Here we go…@MostVpromotions pic.twitter.com/zphmZM47kO
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) February 17, 2026
Gina is my dream fight 🥺 https://t.co/OuSd53FYU7
— Yana Santos (@YanaKunitskaya1) February 17, 2026
Gina the first woman to unlock the doors, Ronda the first woman to kick them out.. And Amanda the woman who helped glue the pieces together! What a moment for Women’s combat sports! 🙏🏼💕🙌🏼👑 https://t.co/2Std4BBZD3
— PEARL GONZALEZ (@PearlGonzalez) February 17, 2026
If all goes to plan, the women’s legacy fight will take place in the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The pair will lock horns after years of back-and-forth on Saturday, May 16, live on Netflix.
