Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey once commanded the 135-pound division with unparalleled dominance. Her reign, spanning over three years, famously ended at UFC 193 when a devastating head kick from Holly Holm rendered her unconscious in Melbourne, Australia.
A highly anticipated announcement on February 17, 2026, confirmed Rousey’s return to mixed martial arts. She is set to face Gina Carano on May 16, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Rousey, now 39, last competed in December 2016, while the 43-year-old Carano’s last fight dates back to August 2009.
When asked for her thoughts on the impending clash, Holm offered her analysis without committing to a definitive winner. She emphasized the importance of a solid game plan, stating that victory would likely go to whoever adheres to theirs. Holm acknowledged Carano’s long layoff but also highlighted her experience with major events, recalling her as one of the first women to headline a cable television fight. Similarly, Holm recognized Rousey’s pedigree as a former champion and Olympian, noting her formidable skillset, particularly her grappling. She suggested Carano would need to actively avoid Rousey’s strengths to succeed. Holm concluded that the true state of both fighters would become evident once the first punches are thrown, revealing their trajectory in the bout.
Meanwhile, Holm herself is preparing for a WBA boxing lightweight title rematch against Stephanie Han in El Paso, TX, on May 30. Following this boxing match, Holm expressed keen interest in an MMA showdown with the victor of the Rousey-Carano contest.
