Ronda Rousey is set to return to mixed martial arts competition at the age of 39, marking her first fight since her 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes. The announcement of her comeback shocked many in the MMA community earlier this month. Rousey will face Gina Carano in a high-profile bout featured on Netflix, with Carano also making her MMA return after 17 years away from the sport.
Both fighters will confront challenges related to their age and long breaks from professional fighting, a situation familiar to former pro wrestling star and MMA competitor CM Punk.
CM Punk Shares His Perspective on Rousey’s Return to the Cage
The year Rousey fought her last MMA bout before switching fully to professional wrestling, CM Punk made his UFC debut at 38 years old. The Chicago native’s transition to MMA was difficult, as he lost both fights he participated in—submitted by Mickey Gall and outpointed by Mike Jackson.
Reflecting on Rousey’s attempt to compete again at a similar age, CM Punk told talkSPORT,
“I think it’s great. We’re going to find out if she’s still got it,”
he said. He added,
“I think fighting at an older age — trust me, I am an expert on this — it’s not the easiest thing to do.”
Punk also noted the comparable conditions of the fight,
“But she’s fighting somebody who is age comparable, who also has had a long layoff,”
and emphasized the appeal of the matchup,
“They’re both big names, both big superstars. I think people are going to tune in to watch this — and I know I will.”
Veteran Fighters Expected to Feature on Netflix’s MMA Event Undercard
While the headline showdown between Rousey and Carano will be the centerpiece of Netflix’s inaugural MMA event, the undercard is likely to showcase other experienced fighters. Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions is anticipated to bring notable names to its card at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
One of the most discussed potential participants is Nate Diaz, a popular figure who remains a free agent following his two boxing matches since leaving the UFC in 2022. Additionally, Francis Ngannou’s contract with PFL is close to expiration, and former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has continued fighting outside the Octagon after his 2024 departure.
Other possible competitors include Chris Weidman, who hinted at a third MMA fight with Anderson Silva on the same Netflix card, as well as Tyron Woodley, Silva’s recent opponent in boxing, who may also appear at the event.
The Significance of Rousey’s Comeback and the Broader Veteran Presence
Ronda Rousey’s return to MMA represents a significant moment for the sport, raising questions about the ability of fighters to compete effectively after extended absences and later in their careers. CM Punk’s experience underscores the difficulties faced by athletes attempting comebacks at an older age, but the matchup’s star power is likely to draw considerable attention.
The inclusion of other well-known veterans such as Nate Diaz, Francis Ngannou, Andrei Arlovski, and Chris Weidman could add further intrigue and elevate the event’s status. This gathering of experienced fighters on a major streaming platform could signal a shift towards showcasing MMA’s established names while blending the worlds of combat sports and entertainment.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Rousey and her peers can perform at a high level, possibly influencing how organizations approach veteran fighters and future comeback opportunities.
Counting down to #rouseyvscarano: Just 84 more days…#Netflix #MMA pic.twitter.com/pgqLfQWO01
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) February 21, 2026
