Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano Set for Major MMA Clash
In Inglewood, California, Ronda Rousey expressed her belief that her upcoming clash with Gina Carano on May 16 represents the most significant match currently possible in mixed martial arts. Both fighters, who are set to end their respective long retirements for this eagerly anticipated fight, made their first joint public appearance on Tuesday at Intuit Dome to promote the event.
“This is the biggest fight in MMA today,”
Rousey stated, acknowledging that, aside from global superstar Conor McGregor, no other fighters possess greater international fame than herself and Carano.
Trailblazers of Women’s MMA
Both women played crucial roles as trailblazers during the early days of women’s MMA, with Carano rising to become a television sensation in the 2000s and Rousey being instrumental in pushing the UFC to introduce women’s divisions in the 2010s. However, as the sport has evolved, both fighters transitioned away from mixed martial arts careers, focusing instead on ventures in entertainment. Carano, who will turn 44 next month, hasn’t participated in a fight since 2009, and Rousey, at 39, last saw action in 2016 before becoming a mother.
The Irresistible Lure of the Match
Despite their absences from the cage, the lure of this particular match proved irresistible. Carano remarked,
“We only get to live once, and this makes me feel so alive,”
adding that she recently married her longtime partner, muay thai fighter Kevin Ross.
The idea of this fight, one that has been anticipated for years, was reignited after Rousey approached Carano, even while she was pregnant, to propose the matchup.
“This is the only fight I wanted to come back for, the only fight that can inspire me like that,”
Rousey declared.
Criticism of UFC and New Directions in MMA Promotions
Rousey did not hold back her criticism of the UFC’s financial offer, claiming that it fell significantly short compared to what she is now receiving for this match. Initially, she contemplated re-entering the UFC for its final pay-per-view event but declined their proposal entirely. While she expressed affection for UFC President Dana White, she criticized the corporate structure for stifling fighter compensation.
“Now it’s become about changing the entire landscape of the sport and challenging the monolith that the UFC has become,”
Rousey asserted.
Event Details
The event, which features a five-round main event, is promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, a shift that reflects a new direction in MMA promotions. Paul has aspirations of expanding his influence in the sport through future events. Additionally, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will be featured on the card, set to face 40-year-old Philipe Lins. The event will take place in the lavish new arena owned by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, located near downtown Los Angeles.
