Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are both pioneers in women’s MMA. Their upcoming fight on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, marks a significant moment in the sport, as Rousey returns to the octagon after a long hiatus since her last fight in 2016. Carano, who last competed in 2009, has also been a trailblazer in the sport, making this matchup a highly anticipated event.
The fight will be contested at 145 pounds over five 5-minute rounds and is sanctioned under the Unified Rules of MMA. Fans can watch the event live on Netflix, with the main card starting at 6 pm ET. Rousey boasts an impressive professional record of 12-2, while Carano holds a record of 7-1.
Rousey expressed her excitement for the fight, stating, “Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” This statement highlights the significance of their matchup, as both fighters have made substantial contributions to the evolution of women’s mixed martial arts.
However, the fight card has seen some changes, as Lorenz Larkin recently withdrew due to a knee injury. Larkin’s absence raises questions about whether a replacement opponent will be sought for Jason Jackson, who was also scheduled to fight on the card. Details remain unconfirmed.
In addition to Rousey vs. Carano, the fight card features other notable matchups, including Nate Diaz taking on Mike Perry and Francis Ngannou facing Face Philipe Lins. This lineup promises to deliver an exciting night for MMA fans.
As the date approaches, anticipation continues to build around this historic event. Observers are eager to see how Rousey and Carano, both icons in their own right, will perform after their respective breaks from competition.