ronda rousey vs. gina carano

Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: What Happened to the Highly Anticipated Fight?

By Sports Correspondent | April 2026 | Bloody Elbow, Yahoo Sports Canada, MMA Fighting

The Hype That Never Landed

When news first broke that former UFC superstar Ronda Rousey was set to return to the ring—this time under the banner of Most Valuable Promotions and streaming live on Netflix—fans across Canada and beyond took notice. The idea of seeing “Rowdy” back in action, even if not in the octagon, sparked excitement. But that excitement quickly fizzled when reports emerged that the headline bout against Gina Carano—a match-up that had fans buzzing for months—was in serious jeopardy.

As of May 16, 2026, a pivotal women’s professional boxing event was scheduled to take place, headlined by Rousey facing off against Carano. However, just days before the fight night, multiple verified sources confirmed that the card had suffered a major blow due to an injury withdrawal from another fighter—not Rousey or Carano themselves—but a key participant whose absence disrupted the entire structure of the event.

While neither Rousey nor Carano has officially withdrawn from the main event, the ripple effects of this development have left fans wondering: What really happened behind the scenes? And more importantly, can we still expect to see these two icons collide?

Recent Developments: A Timeline of Uncertainty

Let’s break down what we know based on official reporting:

• April 14, 2026: Bloody Elbow reports that Ronda Rousey’s return card on Netflix “takes a hit” due to an unnamed fighter announcing an injury withdrawal. At the time, details are sparse.

• April 17, 2026: Yahoo Sports Canada publishes a report identifying the injured fighter as Lorenz Larkin, a well-known welterweight in both UFC and Bellator. He is listed as out due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained during training camp.

• April 18, 2026: MMA Fighting confirms that the Rousey vs. Carano card has lost another UFC/Bellator veteran ahead of the May 16 event. While they do not name Larkin explicitly in this article, context strongly suggests he is the same individual referenced earlier.

Larkin was slated to serve as a co-main event fighter or possibly a high-profile undercard bout. His withdrawal means the promotional team must scramble to fill his slot—without disrupting the integrity of the main event.

“This is a tough blow,” said a source close to Most Valuable Promotions who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We’re working hard to keep the momentum going, but injuries like this are part of the sport.”

Notably, neither Rousey nor Carano has commented publicly on the situation. Both athletes have remained silent through social media, fueling speculation about their readiness—or lack thereof.

Why This Matters: Contextualizing the Rousey–Carano Saga

To understand why this matter-of-fact injury withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world, we need to look back at the history between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano—and how their careers unfolded after leaving the UFC.

From UFC to Hollywood and Beyond

Ronda Rousey burst onto the global stage in 2012 when she became the inaugural UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Her dominance, combined with her charisma and marketability, made her one of the most recognizable names in mixed martial arts. After dominating the division for nearly three years, she moved on to WWE (now called the World Wrestling Entertainment) in 2018, where she continued to build her brand.

Gina Carano, meanwhile, was a pioneer in women’s MMA. Though she never held a UFC title, Carano fought at elite levels across organizations including Invicta FC and Strikeforce. She retired undefeated in MMA in 2009 and later transitioned into acting, landing roles in films such as Deadpool (2016).

Their paths crossed briefly during the early days of women’s MMA, but it wasn’t until rumors began circulating in late 2025 that a potential boxing match-up would bring them together again.

In November 2025, Most Valuable Promotions announced plans for a historic women’s boxing event featuring Rousey vs. Carano—marking the first time two former female UFC champions would square off in a sanctioned boxing match. The event was billed as a “passing of the torch,” symbolizing the evolution of women’s combat sports from MMA to standalone disciplines like boxing.

But then came the controversy.

The Social Media Controversy That Nearly Derailed Everything

Carano faced significant backlash in 2020 after expressing controversial views on social media regarding transgender rights and gender identity. Although she clarified her statements and expressed regret, the damage was done in the eyes of many activists and sponsors. Major studios dropped her projects, and her career stalled.

Fast forward to 2024–2025, however, and Carano made a quiet comeback. She signed with Most Valuable Promotions, a rising force in boxing that has championed female fighters outside traditional boxing circuits. The company, led by promoter Oscar De La Hoya, saw an opportunity to rehabilitate Carano’s image while giving Rousey a legitimate test outside the WWE.

Yet, tensions lingered. Reports surfaced that Carano had declined to participate in certain promotional activities, citing discomfort with press tours and interviews. Meanwhile, Rousey remained focused on preparing for her return to physical competition—something she hadn’t done since her last MMA fight in 2016.

Despite the rocky road, both sides agreed to move forward—until now.

Immediate Effects: What Does This Mean for Fans and Fighters?

So, what’s the real impact of Lorenz Larkin’s withdrawal?

For starters, it throws a wrench into the promotional machine. Most Valuable Promotions invested heavily in marketing the event, including partnerships with Netflix for global distribution. A last-minute change risks undermining confidence among viewers and advertisers.

Second, there’s the question of fighter morale. If a top-tier athlete like Larkin can be forced out so close to fight night, does that signal instability within the training camps of Rousey or Carano? Or worse—could this reflect broader health concerns among the athletes?

And third, there’s the fan experience. Canadian audiences, in particular, have shown strong interest in women’s combat sports. Events like this help grow viewership and legitimacy. Delays or cancellations could discourage future investments.

“Fans want to see action,” says Dr. Elena Torres, a sports sociologist at the University of Toronto. “When big names get sidelined, it erodes trust. It sends a message that maybe this isn’t as safe or reliable as it should be.”

Future Outlook: Can the Show Go On?

Despite the setback, industry insiders remain cautiously optimistic.

According to Yahoo Sports Canada, Most Valuable Promotions is actively scouting replacement opponents for Larkin. Names being floated include former UFC fighter Julianna Peña and Bellator veteran Aspen Ladd—both known for their toughness and ability to draw attention.

Netflix has reportedly assured stakeholders that the event will proceed as planned, albeit with a reshuffled card.

As for Rousey vs. Carano, nothing official has changed. The fight remains scheduled for May 16, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles—though attendance may be affected depending on how smoothly the rest of the card gets rebuilt.

One thing is clear: the original narrative—two trailblazing women from different eras facing off in a historic boxing match—still holds weight. Whether that story unfolds depends less on injuries and more on resilience.

“This sport demands durability,” says Rousey’s longtime trainer, Mike Winkeljohn. “You train for years, and sometimes one bad fall changes everything. But if you believe in your path, you keep moving.”

Conclusion: More Than Just a Fight

The saga surrounding Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano transcends boxing gloves and punch stats. It reflects broader conversations about legacy, redemption, and the evolving landscape of women’s sports.

Yes, an injured fighter derailed the undercard. Yes, delays are frustrating. But beneath the surface lies something deeper: the chance to witness two warriors who helped pave the way for today’s generation compete once again—on their own terms.

Until then, Canadian fans and MMA loyalists will watch closely, hoping that when the bell rings on May 16, it’s not just another setback… but the beginning of something legendary.

*Sources:
Bloody Elbow – “Ronda Rousey's Return Card on Netflix Takes a Hit”
Yahoo Sports Canada – “Lorenz Larkin Injured, Out of Most Valuable Promotions' Netflix Event”
MMA Fighting – “Rousey vs. Carano Card Loses UFC, Bellator Veteran Ahead of