Ronda Rousey, a prominent figure who has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and entertainment, is set to return to the competition on May 16, 2026, in a highly anticipated MMA match against Gina Carano on Netflix. Her illustrious career has spanned from the judo mats of the Olympics to the octagon of the UFC, the squared circle of the WWE, and the silver screen of Hollywood.
Born on February 1, 1987, in Riverside, California, Rousey, now 39, is celebrated for her groundbreaking role in elevating women’s mixed martial arts to a global platform. Her journey began with judo, where she achieved a significant milestone at the 2004 Athens Olympics as the youngest American judoka to compete. This was followed by a historic bronze medal victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making her the first American woman to earn an Olympic medal in judo. Her mother, AnnMarie De Mars, also a judo champion, paved the way for her daughter’s success.
Transitioning to mixed martial arts, Rousey quickly made a name for herself, winning all her amateur fights by armbar within the first minute. Her professional debut in 2011 was no different, with another swift armbar victory. She signed with Strikeforce, capturing the bantamweight title by submitting Miesha Tate. Her entry into the UFC in 2012 marked a new era, as she was declared the promotion’s first female bantamweight champion. She went on to defend her title six times, with memorable wins including a quick submission of Cat Zingano and a TKO against Alexis Davis, solidifying her undefeated record at 12-0.
Rousey’s impact on the UFC was transformative, challenging the organization’s previous stance on women’s inclusion and becoming one of its biggest draws. Her fights garnered massive television and pay-per-view numbers, leading to mainstream sports media attention, including covers of Sports Illustrated.
Her dominant run concluded with a knockout loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in 2015, followed by another defeat to Amanda Nunes in 2016. Rousey later revealed that a history of undisclosed concussions had made it impossible for her to continue competing at the highest level.
Beyond MMA, Rousey made a significant splash in the WWE, debuting at the 2018 Royal Rumble and signing a full-time contract. She made her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34, going on to win multiple championships, including the Raw Women’s Championship and the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She eventually stepped away from WWE in 2023.
Rousey also ventured into acting, with roles in major films such as “The Expendables 3,” “Furious 7,” and a remake of “Road House.” She also hosted “Saturday Night Live” and made guest appearances on television shows.
The upcoming match against Gina Carano is a highly anticipated event, uniting two pioneers of women’s MMA. Carano, a former Muay Thai fighter and MMA competitor, was once known as the “Face of Women’s MMA” before Rousey’s rise. Carano transitioned to acting after her MMA career, notably appearing in “The Mandalorian.”
This featherweight contest, sanctioned under Unified Rules of MMA, will be the first live MMA event broadcast by Netflix, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions. The fight is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. The main card begins at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, with other notable bouts including Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry.
Rousey, holding a professional MMA record of 12-2, faces Carano, who stands at 7-1 and is returning after a 17-year hiatus. This fight represents a significant second act for Rousey in a sport that rarely offers such opportunities, underscoring her enduring influence in combat sports and her continued drawing power. For Carano, it’s a chance for redemption, and for fans, it’s the showdown that many have waited a decade to see.