Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano are gearing up for a monumental showdown in the MMA world on May 16, which will be streamed on Netflix. The event is being promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, surprising many MMA fans with the announcement of this epic matchup.
Both Rousey and Carano are iconic figures in the MMA community, despite not having fought in years. This has led to concerns about their readiness for such a high-profile bout. In light of this, Andy Foster, the executive director of the California State Athletic Commission, revealed that Rousey would need to undergo extensive concussion battery testing due to her history of concussions during her judo career.
Rousey had previously kept her concussion history a secret from the UFC out of fear that it could jeopardize her career. Foster emphasized the importance of ensuring both fighters are in top physical condition for the fight, stating, “We’re going to put her through neurological and concussion battery testing and make sure she’s OK. We’re going to have our doctors take a look. The fighters are going to have to do a lot of medicals, both of ‘em.”
Carano, who is 43 years old, will also undergo a series of tests including an MRI, EKG, and cardiac evaluations due to her age. Despite the rigorous testing requirements, Foster confirmed that the fight would proceed as planned as long as both fighters pass all necessary medical examinations.
While Carano never competed in the UFC and retired from MMA after a loss to Cris Cyborg in 2009, Rousey ended her MMA career following back-to-back defeats to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes. Despite her retirement, Rousey remains a prominent figure in combat sports and recently labeled her upcoming bout against Carano as the biggest women’s super fight in history.
In a social media post, Rousey expressed her excitement for the fight, stating, “Me and @ginacarano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion @MostVpromotions as well as the baddest streamer on the planet @netflix! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future.”
As the anticipation for this historic matchup continues to build, MMA fans can expect an electrifying showdown between two legends of the sport. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly-anticipated event on Netflix.
