Ronda Rousey is set to compete again in the MMA octagon after nearly ten years away, with her comeback fight scheduled for May 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. This announcement has sparked widespread attention and discussion, with Liv Morgan among those reacting to the unexpected news.
Ronda Rousey’s MMA Return: Details and Background
Ronda Rousey last fought in the UFC on December 30, 2016, when she challenged Amanda Nunes for the Women’s Bantamweight title at UFC 207 but was defeated. This marked the second loss in her career, which includes 12 victories with nine submissions and three TKOs before her first defeat to Holly Holm.
Following her MMA career, Rousey transitioned into professional wrestling, joining WWE in 2018 and earning acclaim during her rookie year. However, after competing in the first-ever women’s WrestleMania main event, she took a hiatus from wrestling. Her return to WWE between 2022 and 2023 was met with mixed reactions, as some questioned her dedication and approach to the wrestling industry.
On February 17, 2026, Rousey announced via Instagram that she will face Gina Carano for her 15th MMA fight at the Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, with the event to be streamed live on Netflix. This marks a major moment in Rousey’s career as she returns to her fighting roots in a high-profile matchup.
Responses From Wrestling and MMA Communities on Rousey’s Announcement
Rousey’s announcement received enthusiastic responses from several of her former WWE competitors. Stars such as Charlotte Flair, Liv Morgan, Nikki Bella, and Raquel Rodriguez expressed excitement and support for her return to MMA. Nikki and Brie Bella, in particular, mentioned that Rousey would “crush it” if the comeback rumors proved true.
Members of the MMA world also welcomed Rousey’s return, including Conor McGregor, Cris Cyborg, Marina Rodriguez, Dakota Ditcheva, Karol Rosa, and Jessica Eye, all showing positive reactions to the upcoming fight.
Notably, figures from boxing, including Jake Paul and Luan Medeiros, have also voiced their anticipation for the bout against Gina Carano. Jake Paul commented directly on Rousey’s social media post:
“Surreal. I started taking judo because of you. Now we put on the first ever MMA event together on Netlfix. Welcome back to the biggest and the baddest ever,” wrote Jake Paul.
The Impact of Rousey’s Return and What to Expect Next
During her initial UFC tenure, Rousey was one of the sport’s biggest stars thanks to an undefeated streak that earned her international fame. Her dominance ended at UFC 193 when Holly Holm defeated her by KO in a stunning upset.
As the fight against Gina Carano draws near, there is a mix of hope, excitement, and uncertainty surrounding Rousey’s comeback. She has hinted that additional announcements are forthcoming, suggesting more developments are expected in her MMA career.
This upcoming event at the Intuit Dome, streamed on Netflix, could reinvigorate interest in women’s MMA and wrestling crossover athletes. Rousey’s return carries the potential to influence both sports’ landscapes significantly, especially given the high-profile names involved and the platform it will reach.
