Rousey wants to 'rewrite ending' and take on UFC

 

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey says she is determined to “rewrite her ending” as she prepares to return to MMA for the first time in a decade, facing Gina Carano on 16 May. 🥊

The two fighters came face-to-face at a press conference in Los Angeles, their first meeting ahead of the featherweight showdown scheduled at the Intuit Dome.

Rousey, now 39, addressed the media with confidence. She criticized aspects of the modern Ultimate Fighting Championship while also praising its president Dana White and showing respect for Carano. She also dismissed suggestions that the bout is merely a “charity” or nostalgia fight.

“The way things ended in MMA was really heartbreaking for me,” Rousey said, referring to the knockout losses in her final two UFC bouts. She added that Carano inspired her to return and chase the fight she always wanted.

“This isn’t a charity event or a nostalgia match,” Rousey insisted. “Right now, this is the biggest fight in MMA. It feels like destiny.”

Rousey has not competed in an MMA bout for 10 years, while the 43-year-old Carano has been away from the sport for 17 years. Because of their long absences—especially Rousey’s history with concussions—both fighters will undergo additional concussion testing before the fight.

The event will be promoted by the company run by Jake Paul, known as Most Valuable Promotions. Some critics have questioned the matchup, but Rousey brushed aside those concerns and embraced the confident persona that once made her one of the most recognizable female athletes in the world and helped bring women’s MMA into the mainstream. 🌍

Rousey, who won 12 of her 14 professional fights—finishing all of those victories—spoke highly of Carano’s influence on her early career. Carano returned the respect during the event.

After the press conference, the two fighters faced off: Rousey with her trademark intense stare, while Carano responded with a smile.

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“Honestly, the motivation to fight came when Ronda asked me,” Carano said. “She’s quite the charmer. Other opportunities came up before, but none felt as important as this.”

She added that sharing the moment with Rousey made the opportunity special. “We only live once, and this makes me feel incredibly alive and grateful.” ✨

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