For years, Ronda Rousey has been the face of women’s mixed‑martial arts. The former UFC champion, Hall of Famer, and WWE star has been a trailblazer, breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of fighters. After a decade away from professional competition, the 39‑year‑old announced on May 16 that she will step back into the octagon for a one‑off bout against fellow legend Gina Carano. The fight will take place at Los Angeles’s Intuit Dome and will be streamed live on Netflix at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
A New Chapter for a Trailblazer
Rousey’s return marks a significant moment in the history of women’s MMA. She first made her mark in 2012, becoming the UFC’s inaugural women’s bantamweight champion and cementing her legacy with a record‑setting knockout in her debut. In 2018 she was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, a testament to her impact on the sport. Yet, after her last fight in 2016, the fighter stepped away, focusing on other ventures, including a stint in WWE from 2018 to 2023.
When Rousey revealed that she would only return if she could face Gina Carano, she tapped into a deep respect for Carano’s pioneering role. Carano, who retired in 2015, was one of the first women to bring mainstream attention to MMA. Rousey said, “She’s a pioneer for women’s MMA, and I can’t think of a better way to say thank you than to whoop her ass.” The prospect of a historic showdown has fans buzzing.
The Road to the Octagon: Training and Family Life
Rousey’s training schedule is as disciplined as her public persona. She has been training for the fight for months, balancing intense workouts with her responsibilities as a mother. She has two daughters—La’akea (Pō), four, and Liko’ula, 15 months—alongside step‑children Keawe and Kaleo, whose father is her husband, former UFC heavyweight champion Travis Browne. The family dynamic has become a cornerstone of Rousey’s motivation, and she has spoken openly about how her children inspire her to stay true to herself.
Her training regimen is a blend of striking, grappling, and conditioning, designed to bring her back to peak performance. Below is a snapshot of her daily routine:
- Morning Conditioning: 45‑minute cardio session, including running and jump rope, to build stamina.
- Technical Sparring: Two hours of live sparring with a partner, focusing on striking combinations and takedown defense.
- Strength & Flexibility: Weight training and yoga to maintain power and prevent injury.
- Recovery: Daily ice baths, massages, and a strict nutrition plan to aid muscle repair.
- Family Time: Evening sessions with her kids, reinforcing the balance between sport and motherhood.
Despite the rigorous schedule, Rousey remains unapologetically candid about the challenges. She has openly discussed the mental toll of returning to a high‑stakes sport after years away and the pressure of living up to the legacy she helped build.
Partnering with Jake Paul’s Promotion
To bring the fight to life, Rousey has teamed up with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). The
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