The combat sports world woke up to a blockbuster announcement on Tuesday, as Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is officially set as a legacy superfight, headlining Netflix’s first-ever live MMA event. The bout will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Promoted by Most Valuable Promotions—the fight company co-founded by Jake Paul—the event will stream globally on Netflix and is included with any subscription. Ariel Helwani writes, “BREAKING: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano is a DONE DEAL.” He noted it’s the first MMA card to air live on NETFLIX. MVP’s first MMA card, too. The two biggest names in WMMA history. Both coming out of retirement for this dream fight.”
Jake Paul, who is promoting this fight, wrote, “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…”
For Rousey, it marks her first MMA appearance since her final UFC fight in 2016. Carano’s return is even more dramatic; she has not competed in a professional MMA bout since 2009. Both women are coming out of retirement for the matchup, which will be contested at 145 pounds over five five-minute rounds under Unified MMA Rules. Notably, the fight will take place inside a hexagon cage rather than the traditional octagon.
The bout is being billed as a historic showdown between two pioneers of women’s MMA. Carano became one of the sport’s first breakout stars during her runs in EliteXC and Strikeforce, earning acclaim for her Muay Thai-based striking. She went on to become a well-known actor, starring in several projects, including The Mandalorian.
Rousey shattered barriers as the UFC’s first women’s champion, dominating opponents with her judo and signature armbar submissions. She, too, became an actress and then tried her hand at WWE before eventually walking away and becoming a mother.
Tickets go on sale March 5, with a kickoff press conference scheduled that same day at the Intuit Dome. As excitement builds, fans are split—some calling it the biggest women’s superfight ever, others questioning the lengthy layoffs. Either way, the spotlight will be massive in May.
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