One of the most anticipated matchups in women’s combat sports is finally becoming reality. Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey will face MMA pioneer Gina Carano on May 16, 2026 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
The fight will be streamed live worldwide on Netflix, marking the platform’s first-ever live MMA event. This announcement has created huge excitement among fans, as the matchup brings together two of the most influential figures in women’s MMA history.
Rousey vs Carano Fight Details
The event is being promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company founded by Jake Paul. This will also be MVP’s first entry into the MMA space.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 16, 2026 |
| Venue | Intuit Dome, Inglewood (Los Angeles) |
| Weight Class | Featherweight (145 lbs / 65.8 kg) |
| Format | 5 rounds, 5 minutes each |
| Rules | Standard MMA rules, 4-ounce gloves |
| Streaming | Live on Netflix (global) |
| Ticket Sale | Starts March 5, 2026 |
| Press Conference | March 5, Intuit Dome |
Both fighters are returning from retirement, adding even more drama and curiosity to the event.
Fighters Returning After Long Breaks
Ronda Rousey last competed in the UFC in 2016, while Gina Carano stepped away from MMA in 2009. Despite the long gap, both remain major names who helped shape the women’s side of the sport.
Career Records
| Fighter | Record | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Ronda Rousey | 12-2 | First UFC Women’s Champion, Olympic judo medalist, 9 submissions |
| Gina Carano | 7-1 | Women’s MMA pioneer, first televised women’s MMA star, 3 KO wins |
Rousey played a major role in bringing women’s MMA into the global spotlight, while Carano was one of the earliest stars who helped build the sport’s foundation.
Why This Fight Matters
For years, fans and analysts have discussed the possibility of this matchup, but it never happened during their active careers. Now, the bout is being promoted as a dream super fight between two legends from different eras.
Rousey called the event “one of the biggest moments in women’s combat sports,” while the partnership with Netflix shows how combat sports are expanding into new streaming platforms.
The event also signals a major shift in the industry, with streaming services increasingly competing with traditional broadcasters for premium live sports content.
The fight will take place inside a cage under standard MMA rules and is expected to headline a major fight card. With both fighters known for their aggressive styles and strong personalities, the matchup is likely to draw global attention.
Fans are also watching closely to see how each athlete performs after long layoffs and whether experience or ring rust will play a bigger role.
With global streaming access and two iconic names in the main event, this fight has the potential to become one of the most talked-about moments in women’s MMA history.
