Ronda Rousey is anticipating a significant financial return for her first MMA fight in a decade. The former UFC bantamweight champion believes her comeback match against Gina Carano is set to establish a new pay record for female combat athletes, exceeding the $5 million earned by Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor in their boxing trilogy last year. Rousey’s last recorded UFC purse was $3 million before her 2016 defeat to Amanda Nunes. The highly anticipated fight is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, and will be streamed live on Netflix.
Headlining the inaugural event for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a Netflix-backed venture aiming to challenge the UFC’s dominance, marks a significant career move for Rousey. This opportunity arose after her attempts to orchestrate a UFC return stalled. Rousey recounted a meeting with UFC leadership shortly after giving birth, feeling dismissed by their approach. “I think they’re regretting not making it happen now,” Rousey stated at the final press conference.
Rousey expressed her desire for this fight to make history, create cultural impact, and influence the future of the sport. With a record of eight consecutive title fight wins in the UFC, she feels she has nothing left to prove in that organization. “So now me and Gina are smashing the record for the most women have been paid in combat sports,” she declared.
Following her knockout loss to Nunes, Rousey transitioned to WWE and acting. Her opponent, Carano, also returns after a hiatus. Carano, a pioneer in women’s MMA, headlined a major promotion in 2009 before stepping away early in her career. She later pursued acting, including a role in “The Mandalorian” until her dismissal in 2021. Carano has been open about her struggles with mental health and weight during that period, crediting Rousey with inspiring her comeback. “I’ve worked so hard. Having Ronda as the goal got me out of bed every morning,” Carano shared.
Despite featuring other prominent fighters like Francis Ngannou facing Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz against Mike Perry, the spotlight has remained firmly on Rousey and Carano. Rousey, in particular, has been a central figure, addressing the media as both an athlete and a promotional representative for MVP.
Rousey is optimistic that the collaboration between Netflix and MVP signifies a shift in the MMA landscape. “Who can say the success of this fight won’t give the competition the UFC needs and give bargaining power back to the fighters?” she questioned. She also predicted the event could achieve record-breaking viewership for an MMA broadcast.
The dynamic between Rousey and Carano stands out, characterized by mutual respect rather than animosity. Rousey expressed admiration for Carano, acknowledging her as an inspiration during her early fighting years. Should Carano emerge victorious, Rousey stated she would be genuinely pleased to be part of what she termed “the greatest comeback story of all time.”
Ronda Rousey’s Netflix Fight Promises Record-Breaking Payday
Ronda Rousey is poised for a significant financial windfall in her upcoming MMA bout against Gina Carano, streamed live on Netflix. The former UFC champion anticipates this fight will shatter existing pay records for female combat sports athletes, surpassing the reported $5 million earned by Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor in their boxing trilogy. Rousey’s final UFC payout was $3 million prior to her 2016 loss to Amanda Nunes. The event is set for Saturday, May 16, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
This fight headlines the debut card for Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), a Netflix-backed venture aiming to provide a strong alternative to the UFC. Rousey had explored a return to the UFC, but discussions did not materialize. She described feeling undervalued during negotiations with UFC leadership after childbirth, suggesting they may now regret not facilitating her return. “I think they’re regretting not making it happen now,” Rousey remarked.
Rousey views this fight as a landmark event that will make history, have a cultural impact, and influence the sport’s future. Having already achieved numerous accolades in the UFC, including a record eight consecutive title defenses, she feels her focus has shifted. “So now me and Gina are smashing the record for the most women have been paid in combat sports,” she stated.
After her MMA career, Rousey moved into professional wrestling and acting. Carano, a trailblazer in women’s MMA, also returns after a significant break. She was a prominent figure in early MMA promotions before stepping away. Carano later pursued acting roles, including in “The Mandalorian” until her contract was terminated in 2021. She has spoken openly about overcoming personal challenges, crediting Rousey’s upcoming fight as a key motivator for her return. “I’ve worked so hard. Having Ronda as the goal got me out of bed every morning,” Carano said.
The undercard features notable names like Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz, but the Rousey-Carano matchup has dominated pre-fight attention. Rousey has been particularly vocal, speaking on behalf of both herself and MVP.
Rousey believes the partnership with Netflix and MVP could reshape the power dynamics within MMA. “Who can say the success of this fight won’t give the competition the UFC needs and give bargaining power back to the fighters?” she posited. She also projected the event to become the most-watched MMA broadcast ever.
The relationship between Rousey and Carano is marked by mutual respect, a departure from typical combat sports rivalries. Rousey acknowledged Carano as an early inspiration. She expressed that if Carano were to win, she would be genuinely happy to be part of what she calls “the greatest comeback story of all time.”