INGLEWOOD, Calif. – In a highly anticipated return to the octagon, Ronda Rousey showcased her signature grappling prowess, submitting Gina Carano with her famous armbar just 17 seconds into their mixed martial arts comeback bout on Saturday night.
This matchup marked an extraordinary moment in MMA history as Rousey, 39, ended a 9 1/2-year hiatus from the sport, while Carano, 44, stepped back into the cage after a staggering 17-year break. Rousey (13-2) wasted no time, charging at Carano immediately after the opening bell.
With a swift takedown, Rousey maneuvered into position to execute her devastating finishing move, applying pressure to Carano’s arm until the referee stepped in to halt the contest.
“I really didn’t want to hurt her,” Rousey remarked post-fight. “Luckily it was just beautiful martial arts, that’s what it is.” Her swift victory was reminiscent of her earlier career, where she famously finished eight opponents in under a minute.
When asked if she considered delaying the finish for the sake of the fans, Rousey laughed, saying, “Hell no. My husband and my kids are watching me. I don’t want to put them through anything more than I have to.”
Despite the quick end to the match, Carano maintained a positive demeanor, smiling as she embraced Rousey post-fight. “I felt so ready,” Carano shared. “I’ve never felt that good. But I haven’t been here for 17 years … and I wanted to hit her.”
This historic bout not only reunited two of MMA’s most significant figures but also highlighted their respective journeys through the sport. Rousey rose to fame as the first women’s champion in the UFC, helping to elevate women’s MMA to new heights. Carano, on the other hand, was a pioneer who helped bring women’s fights into the spotlight in the late 2000s.
Rousey departed from the sport following two consecutive losses, while Carano transitioned to a successful acting career after her first defeat. However, Rousey began considering a comeback last year, with a particular interest in facing Carano, whose acting career faced challenges after controversial social media posts in 2021.
Carano expressed her delight at finally accepting the fight, revealing that her training served as a means to overcome multiple health issues from recent years. “Getting in here after 17 years was a victory,” she reflected. “Fighting a legend was a victory. I feel great. But she trained. She had her game plan. I have so much love and respect for her.”
The event, hosted at the Intuit Dome, represented a significant milestone as the first live MMA event streamed on Netflix, which is increasingly venturing into the realm of combat sports.
As for future endeavors, Rousey has indicated that this will be her final fight, while Carano remains uncertain about what lies ahead.
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