Ronda Rousey, one of the most iconic names in mixed martial arts history, is stepping back into the cage this Saturday night for the first time since 2016. The former UFC bantamweight champion—who also made waves in WWE and Hollywood—will face fellow pioneer Gina Carano in what promises to be a blockbuster comeback. But here's the twist: despite her legendary UFC career, this fight isn't happening under the UFC banner.
Instead, Rousey's return is being promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and will stream live on Netflix. So, what does this mean for her relationship with UFC and its CEO, Dana White? Let's break it down.
Is Rousey fighting in the UFC?
No. While Rousey's heyday was indeed in the Octagon—where she dominated as the first female UFC champion and redefined women's MMA—her May 2026 bout with Carano is strictly an MVP event. According to ESPN, Rousey initially wanted her final fight to be in the UFC, but the promotion "wasn't willing to pay what she considered fair compensation." Though exact figures for the Carano fight haven't been disclosed, Rousey recently told the BBC that her purse will set a new record for female fighters. For context, Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor reportedly earned around $5 million each for their 2025 showdown.
The Dana White dynamic
Rousey and White have long shared a close friendship, but that bond didn't translate into a UFC comeback. Rousey has been vocal about her frustrations, accusing the UFC's corporate structure—specifically CFO Hunter Campbell—of prioritizing shareholders over the sport's integrity. While a return to the UFC isn't technically impossible, all signs point to this being Rousey's final fight. She's repeatedly stated that the only reason she's stepping back in is her deep respect for Carano, a fellow trailblazer who helped pave the way for women in MMA.
What's next?
For fans hoping to see Rousey back in the Octagon, it's a bittersweet moment. This Saturday's fight feels like a closing chapter—a celebration of two pioneers rather than a new beginning. Whether or not Rousey ever reconciles with the UFC, her legacy as a game-changer is already cemented. For now, all eyes are on the MVP ring as she writes the final lines of her combat sports story.