One of the most anticipated events of the year is here. Ronda Rousey, after a decade away from mixed martial arts, makes her return on Saturday night in Los Angeles when she takes on another legend of the sport off a long time away from the sport in Gina Carano. The two headline Netlfix’s first MMA event, set to take place inside the Intuit Dome.
Rousey rose to prominence with Strikeforce where she quickly climbed the ranks to become women’s bantamweight champion. She impressed UFC president Dana White enough for him to back off his stance of never having women fight for the promotion when she made her debut in 2013 as the inaugural champion. She defended the title six times before a stunning knockout loss to Holly Holm in 2015 and followed that up with another knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016, which led to her departure from the sport.
Carano is widely considered the pioneer of women’s MMA. The Strikeforce and Elite XC alum brought new eyes to women’s MMA. She rode that popularity to an inaugural Strikeforce women’s featherweight title fight. Carano faltered to Cyborg, one of the most dominant fighters of any gender, before retiring.
Rousey and Carano haven’t fought in 10 and 17 years, respectively. They return in a long-lost dream match in Los Angeles.
“I’m just trying to relish every moment and not rush through it. I mean, I’m going to miss this so much, but it’s been so incredible to be back in the next martial arts community,” Carano said. “I never thought I would be doing this after … Five years ago I gave up the dream, and then a turn of events and I’m so grateful to Ronda for bringing me back into this and just the people.”
Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight predictions, odds, expert picks and undercard for Netflix event
Brent Brookhouse
This event is not just about the headliners. MVP is putting together an event filled with names familiar to many MMA fans. Look no further than the co-main event when Nate Diaz takes on Mike Perry at welterweight. Plus, former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou is back when he takes on Philipe Lins. Another former UFC heavyweight champion is also on the main card when Junior dos Santos returns to MMA to take on Robelis Despaigne.
Below is the complete fight card for MVP MMA, along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features and other content around this massive event.
Rousey vs. Carano fight card, odds
- Ronda Rousey -535 vs. Gina Carano +400, women’s featherweights
- Mike Perry -218 vs. Nate Diaz +180, welterweights
- Francis Ngannou -1450 vs. Philipe Lins +850, heavyweights
- Salahdine Parnasse -1100 vs. Kenneth Cross +700, lightweights
- Robelis Despaigne -500 vs. Junior dos Santos +380, heavyweights
- Namo Fazil -360 vs. Jake Babian +285, welterweights
- Adriano Moraes vs. Phumi Nkuta, catchweight
- Jason Jackson vs. Jeff Creighton, welterweights
- David Mgoyan -550 vs. Albert Morales +410, featherweights
- Aline Pereira -410 vs. Jade Masson-Wong +320, catchweight
- Brandon Jenkins -360 vs. Chris Avila +285, catchweight
Rousey vs. Carano viewing info
- Date: May 16
- Location: Intuit Dome — Inglewood, California
- Start time: 9 p.m. ET (Main card) | 6 p.m. (Preliminary card)
- How to watch: Netflix (Main card, subscription required) | YouTube (Preliminary card)
Who wins Rousey vs. Carano, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $2,500 on his combat sports picks this year, and find out.
