ESPN • 2/17/2026

Ronda Rousey is set to make her return to mixed martial arts (MMA) after nearly a decade, facing Gina Carano on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. This matchup marks a significant event as both fighters have previously retired from the sport, with Rousey last competing in 2016 and Carano in 2009. The fight will be streamed live on Netflix, which is entering the MMA broadcasting arena for the first time. This event is co-hosted by Most Valuable Productions, a promotional company founded by Jake Paul. Ahead of the fight, both Rousey and Carano will undergo extensive medical and neurological testing as mandated by the California State Athletic Commission. This precautionary measure is standard for combat sports to ensure the health and safety of the fighters. The bout will take place inside a hexagon cage, a common setup for MMA events. Netflix has previously streamed boxing matches and is expanding its live sports offerings with this MMA fight. The decision to feature two retired fighters is likely due to current stars being under contracts with various promotional entities. The event is anticipated to attract significant viewership as it showcases two of the most successful female competitors in the sport's history.
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