The stage is set for one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the year, as the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has officially announced the referees and judges for the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card, set to stream live on Netflix from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
In a move that has electrified fight fans, legendary official "Big" John McCarthy will step back into the cage as the referee for the main event. McCarthy, widely regarded as the most iconic referee in MMA history, is returning to his roots after years behind the mic as a commentator for Bellator MMA and co-host of a popular podcast with UFC and Strikeforce veteran Josh Thomson. His presence adds an extra layer of gravitas to a bout that has already captured the imagination of the combat sports world—Rousey, who hasn't competed since 2016, makes her long-awaited return from retirement, while Carano steps back into the cage for the first time since 2009.
The three judges tasked with scoring the historic Rousey vs. Carano fight are Derek Cleary, Michael Bell, and Felicia Oh.
In the co-main event, two of the toughest veterans in the sport will collide when Nate Diaz takes on Mike Perry in a welterweight showdown. Diaz, a UFC legend who has recently ventured into high-profile boxing matches against Jake Paul and Jorge Masvidal, brings his signature grit and durability. Perry, meanwhile, has become the face of bare-knuckle fighting with BKFC, earning impressive wins over Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, and Michael "Venom" Page. Veteran referee Mike Beltran will oversee the action, with UFC veteran Chris Leben, Marcel Varela, and Raphael Davis serving as judges.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou also returns to action, facing Philipe Lins in a highly anticipated matchup. Herb Dean, one of the sport's most respected referees, will be the third man in the cage for that bout, with Ron McCarthy, Jonathan Romero, and Chris Crail scoring the fight.
With a stacked card featuring some of the biggest names in combat sports history and a dream team of officials, this event promises to be a night fans won't soon forget. From the return of "Big" John McCarthy to the long-awaited comebacks of Rousey and Carano, every moment is steeped in legacy and excitement.