LOS ANGELES — Combat sports history moved one step closer to reality today as Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano faced off at a highly anticipated press conference at the Intuit Dome. The event officially launched promotion for their upcoming mixed martial arts showdown scheduled for May 16, 2026, which will stream live on Netflix.
Promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, the company founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, the press conference drew media, fans, and industry insiders eager to witness the first face-off between two pioneers of women’s MMA.
A Historic Matchup in Women’s MMA
Both fighters are widely credited with helping bring global attention to women’s mixed martial arts. Carano emerged in the late 2000s as one of the sport’s first female stars, while Rousey later helped push women’s MMA into the mainstream during her dominant championship run.
The upcoming fight marks a dramatic return for both athletes. Rousey, now 39, will step back into MMA competition after nearly a decade away, while Carano returns following a 17-year absence from professional fighting.
During the press conference, the two fighters shared mutual respect but made it clear that the bout is about legacy.
“This isn’t a nostalgia fight — it’s the biggest fight in the world,” Rousey said when addressing the media.
The moment everyone waited for came when Rousey and Carano stepped forward for their first official face-off, locking eyes as cameras flashed and the crowd reacted with loud cheers.
Heated Words and Industry Criticism
The event also featured strong comments from Rousey about the state of combat sports. During the press conference, she criticized the Ultimate Fighting Championship, arguing that fighters deserve better compensation and opportunities.
Jake Paul echoed similar sentiments, positioning Most Valuable Promotions as a disruptive force in the MMA landscape and highlighting the partnership with Netflix as a new model for delivering major fight events.
Stacked Fight Card
The press conference also highlighted other major fights planned for the event, including a co-main bout between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins, adding even more star power to what organizers say could be one of the biggest MMA cards of the year.
A New Era for MMA Broadcasting
The May 16 fight card will be a landmark moment for streaming platforms as Netflix prepares to broadcast its first live MMA event. Unlike traditional pay-per-view events, the fight will be available to subscribers without additional purchase fees, potentially opening the sport to a broader global audience.
As the press conference concluded in Los Angeles, the message was clear: the long-awaited clash between Rousey and Carano is no longer just speculation, it’s officially on the calendar.
With two legends returning to the cage and a new broadcasting model behind them, the fight is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about combat sports events of 2026.
