Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Set for Epic Showdown
Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, two legends of mixed martial arts, are set to return to the octagon for a highly anticipated showdown on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This matchup marks a significant moment in women’s combat sports, as both fighters have been away from the competition for years. Their fight will be organized by Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul and his partner Nakisa Bidarian, and will stream on Netflix.
Fighter Backgrounds
Gina Carano, who is 43, last competed in MMA back in 2009 after a career that spanned eight fights, finishing with a record of 7 wins and 1 loss. Ronda Rousey, now 39, hasn’t stepped into the cage since 2016, holding a record of 12 victories and 2 defeats. This upcoming bout will see both fighters compete at a weight of 145 pounds over five rounds that last five minutes each.
Impact on Women’s MMA
Despite their hiatuses from fighting, Rousey and Carano are celebrated as two of the most influential figures in MMA’s history. Carano was pivotal in bringing women’s MMA into the spotlight, notably participating in the first Nevada-sanctioned women’s fight in 2006. Rousey, who won an Olympic judo medal in 2008, became a superstar in MMA, capturing the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight belt in 2013 and defending it six times. Her dynamic fighting style and charisma played a crucial role in promoting women’s divisions within the UFC.
Quotes from the Fighters
Rousey expressed her excitement, stating, “Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”
Carano echoed her enthusiasm, revealing that Rousey had directly reached out to her, emphasizing the fight’s significance and expressing gratitude for the paths they have opened for each other in their careers. Carano believes that the fight will challenge her, but she is determined to secure a victory.
Carano’s Transition to Acting
Carano has transitioned to acting after her MMA career, taking on notable roles, including a part in Disney’s popular series The Mandalorian. However, her contract with Disney ended controversially in 2021 after a series of social media posts that elicited backlash. The actress previously settled a lawsuit against Lucasfilm claiming she was let go for her controversial views.
Conclusion
As Most Valuable Promotions makes its debut into the world of MMA following several years in boxing, the anticipation for this fight builds, highlighting an evolving landscape of women’s fighting that both Rousey and Carano have undeniably shaped.
