INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Ronda Rousey made a stunning return to mixed martial arts on May 16, 2026, submitting Gina Carano with an armbar just 17 seconds into the first round of their comeback bout at the Kia Forum.
Rousey, 39, had not fought in MMA since a 48-second knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in December 2016. Carano, 44, was returning after a 16-year hiatus, having last fought in 2009. The fight was billed as a double comeback for the two pioneers of women's MMA.
Rousey quickly took Carano down and secured the armbar, forcing a tap. The victory marked Rousey's first win since August 2015 and improved her professional record to 13-2. Carano fell to 7-2.
After the fight, Rousey said she was happy to be back and hinted at retirement, calling it a 'perfect ending.' Carano was gracious in defeat, thanking fans for the opportunity.
