Tag: mma

Ronda Rousey scores fast finish over Gina Carano in MMA return

Posted on May 16, 2026May 16, 2026 by Josh Nason

With a combined 27 years of MMA inactivity, former UFC crossover star and champion Ronda Rousey and former Strikeforce champion/actor Gina Carano turned back time for the first ever MMA card on Netflix Saturday.

And on a main card full of quick finishes, the main event was the quickest with Rousey defeating Carano in just 17 seconds after hitting a double leg takedown and then transitioning to her signature armbar for the quick tap.

It was the third fastest finish of Rousey’s pro career (14 seconds vs. Cat Zingano, 16 seconds over Alexis Davis).

Before any bonuses or other arrangements, Rousey earned $2.2 million while Carano earned $1.05 million per the California State Athletic Commission.

Afterward, Rousey continued to put over Carano strongly for influencing her but still has no interest in returning to fight again as she wants to have more kids. Carano said she felt good and wanted the fight to go longer. She didn’t close the door on a potential return, joking she should have been matched up with a striker.

The event took place at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles with the visually sparse attendance a subject on social media throughout the night, something that some attributed to the lights in the seats.

For an in-depth report on the entire card, please read Paul Fontaine’s full recap.

Rousey vs. Carano main card results & notes

In the co-main event, Mike Perry defeated Nate Diaz by second round TKO when Diaz’s corner, led by legendary cutman Jacob “Stitch” Duran, called it off between rounds due to several big cuts on Diaz’s head that saw him bleed profusely as the fight went on.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou made quick work on a main card full of quick fights, dispatching Philipe Lins by first round knockout. He was asked about fighting Jon Jones someday as Jones was in attendance and both he and Jones seemed to admit that will likely never happen. A fight with Jake Paul was teased, but Ngannou didn’t seem super interested in it. The Conor McGregor/Max Holloway UFC fight was announced as Ngannou was heading to the cage.
Salahdine Parnasse defeated Kenneth Cross by first round TKO in a great performance for Parnasse.
Robelis Despaigne defeated former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos via first round knockout to open up the main card.

Marina Shafir confirms appearance for Ronda Rousey’s MMA return

Posted on March 12, 2026March 12, 2026 by Shounak Chakrabarti

Marina Shafir is set to be present and support her friend Ronda Rousey during her upcoming MMA return fight.

On May 16th, Rousey is scheduled to make her comeback fight against Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, under the banner of Jake Paul’s MVP (Most Valuable Promotions). With the fight set to air on Netflix, AEW’s Shafir recently confirmed her appearance for the show.

Speaking on Busted Open, Rousey’s longtime MMA and wrestling friend, Shafir, expressed her excitement before confirming her appearance (H/t Fightful).

“Oh my God, I’m so excited for her. This is visceral for her. In a non-gay way, I have gotten really hard nipples for her. I’m just very excited for her because she has — you guys just have no f*****g idea what people go through, and for her to be doing the thing that she loves, so wholeheartedly and so passionately, I’m just so excited. I’m really f*****g excited to see what happens, what’s to come. I’m really excited to be there actually, too so,” Shafir claimed.

After finishing up with WWE in 2023, Rousey enjoyed a brief stint in the indies and ROH (Ring of Honor), where she teamed up with Marina Shafir to win a couple of matches. Apart from their tag-team run, their history dates back to their initial MMA days.

Ronda Rousey on MMA return: ‘I’m better than I’ve ever been’

Posted on March 11, 2026March 11, 2026 by Joseph Currier

After a decade away from the sport, Ronda Rousey believes she’s returning to MMA as a better fighter than she’s ever been.

Rousey will compete in her first MMA fight since 2016 when she faces off against Gina Carano on May 16. Though her UFC career ended with back-to-back losses, Rousey believes she is smarter and more skilled than she was at the height of her fame.

“I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m definitely better than I’ve ever been,” she told TMZ Sports this week. “It just really helps so much that the landscape of the sport has changed. You know, people forgot that when I was competing before there were no coaches with MMA experience. There was no one with MMA experience with coaching experience. So usually the person with the most MMA experience on the team was the fighter. And everybody else had their own separate discipline and it was up to the fighter themselves to try and piece things together. Finally with this camp, I have help with that. I’m not just guessing and having to go and spar over and over and over again and try and piece things together and figure things out. It’s us as a team actually developing all of this together.

Rousey admits that she’s not as strong and as explosive as she once was, but she feels she’s made more than enough progress in other areas to make up for that.

“I was more strong and more explosive and, you know, more cartilage and collagen before. But always what set me apart is my technique and how skilled I am as a martial artist,” Rousey said. “And I’ve never been more skilled, my technique’s never been better, I’ve never had a better and higher fight IQ. This is definitely the best that I’ve ever been.”

The Rousey vs. Carano fight is being promoted by MVP Promotions and will air live on Netflix. This marks new territory for the streaming giant, which has never broadcast a live MMA event before. Rousey hopes the show will lead to Netflix investing in MMA more.

“I really want to knock it out of the park and be able to bring fighters the kind of paychecks that they really deserve in this sport,” she said. “I feel like MMA has been really left behind in combat sports when it comes to that. And I want to be part of changing that.”

Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins is the co-main event of the May 16 show, which is being held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Ronda Rousey criticizes TKO leadership: ‘The UFC is one of the worst places to go’

Posted on March 10, 2026March 10, 2026 by Josh Nason

While it was known the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA fight on Netflix was originally pitched to the UFC, what wasn’t known was that a date range was attached.

During Tuesday’s pre-event press conference in Los Angeles, Rousey was asked by event host Ariel Helwani about what happened in the UFC and she said a lot about that and other topics including her thoughts on TKO leadership.

She said she spoke to Dana White about it first due to her love and respect for him. She explained that it originally was being slated to be the final fight under the pay-per-view model that ended in December 2025 prior to UFC’s move to Paramount in January 2026.

An actual date wasn’t announced, but she said “New Year’s.” She also said the offer to her was “the best PPV structure ever.”

The reason that didn’t happen was Carano wasn’t ready, something Rousey said “was meant to be.” The two will fight on Netflix on Saturday, May 16.

She said White was the first one to know she was taking the fight to Netflix and that he gave it his blessing and that “he’s always been my friend first.” She said he wasn’t upset and that he was the one who wanted her to make as much money as possible.

Rousey said that her criticisms of the UFC over the last few days is because White “isn’t calling the shots” and is an employee of a company that isn’t focused on making the best fights possible but is beholden to their shareholders first.

“They are bleeding talent because of short-term greed. They’re thinking about the next quarter. They’re thinking about the shareholders. They’re not thinking about their responsibility to be stewards of the future of the sport,” he said.

“He knows the White House cards sucks,” she said. “I guarantee he’s not happy with it either. He taught me through example to speak my mind.”

She later was asked to describe White and said, “loyal to a fault.”

“The UFC is one of the worst places to go. So many of their top athletes are leaving to find pay elsewhere. It’s why their champions like Valentina (Shevchenko) are selling pictures of their titties on OnlyFans.”

Rousey said future fights depend on how the Carano fight goes, but that she wants more kids and to be more present for her family.

“When are you going to be impressed enough with yourself to spend more time with your family?” she said, adding this is a grand finale and a way to “rewrite her ending.”

Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins were also at the presser and Ngannou was asked about fighting MVP promoter/owner Jake Paul in the future. Ngannou said he wasn’t interested in fighting him, but rather “beating his ass.” Paul later said he also wanted to do it which would be in boxing if it happens.

Francis Ngannou returning on Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix special

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Joseph Currier

The card for Netflix’s first-ever live MMA special has gotten a significant injection of star power.

It was announced today that former UFC star Francis Ngannou will return to MMA on the May 16 special, facing off against Brazilian fighter Philipe Lins. It will be the co-main event that night alongside Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. The show is taking place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California and is being promoted by MVP Promotions, which is run by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian.

“Francis Ngannou is unequivocally the best heavyweight MMA fighter in the world, and his addition creates star power like never before seen in the sport,” Paul and Bidarian said in a press release. “Francis is one of the most feared knockout artists the sport has ever seen, and his return to MMA instantly makes this a historic night.

“Philipe Lins is a proven champion who built his reputation the hard way against elite competition, and knows this is his chance to cement his legacy and take Brazil back to the top of the sport.”

Ngannou is a former UFC heavyweight champion but departed the company in 2023 amid a contract dispute. He later competed in boxing and had one MMA fight for the PFL. Just a few days ago, it was confirmed that Ngannou and the PFL had parted ways.

“My return to MMA demanded a stage that matched the scale of my ambition, and partnering with MVP to bring this event to Netflix ensures the entire world is watching,” Ngannou said. “I am ready for this new chapter, and I cannot wait to entertain my fans again and remind the world exactly who I am and what I am capable of delivering on the highest stage.”

Lins has fought for the UFC, PFL, and Bellator during his MMA career.

The May 16 event will stream live for Netflix subscribers at no additional cost. A press conference to hype up the card is set to take place this Tuesday (March 10).

For subscribers: Dave Meltzer on the history behind Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano

Posted on February 17, 2026February 17, 2026 by F4W Staff

Dave Meltzer goes back to his MMA writing roots to explain the story behind Tuesday’s announcement of UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey vs. former Strikeforce legend Gina Carano and the long road to get there.

Click here to read (sub needed)

JNPO: Luke Thomas on Morning Kombat’s future, TKO’s combat sports takeover, career evolution

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Josh Nason

On a new Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, Josh welcomes first time guest and longtime MMA media personality Luke Thomas for an extended play conversation.

Luke has done YouTube, SiriusXM, terrestrial radio, Spike TV and commentary but has never appeared on this very show. That changes now.

The guys talk about the state of the award-winning Morning Kombat with Brian Campbell’s departure and Chuck Mindenhall’s entrance, some MMA media and general media matters, his decision to launch a political offshoot YouTube channel, his long-running live chat series that helped inspire this very podcast, thoughts on TKO taking over everything combat sports, and lots more.

If you’re an MK fan, there’s a lot here for you and if not, you’ll learn why it’s so popular.

Click here to listen for free or stream free on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

JNPO: ‘The Smashing Machine’ review & a talk with Bas Rutten

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by Josh Nason

Image: A24/Eric Zachanowich

First announced two years ago, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s biopic on MMA legend Mark Kerr — The Smashing Machine — finally hits theaters this Friday.

After seeing a screening of the movie last week, Josh Nason gives you his full spoiler-free thoughts on the performances by Johnson, Emily Blunt and Ryan Bader. He also talks about whether this is a potential Oscar winner and movie critic culture he observed while in the theatre.

Then, Josh talks with one of the stars of the film: the one and only Bas Rutten. The former UFC and Pancrase champion turned broadcaster talks about his involvement in the film, whether it was difficult to go back to that time in his life, and his interactions with Johnson and Blunt.

Once you watch the movie, let Josh know what you think on X or BlueSky.

Click here to listen for free or stream for free on both Spotify or Apple Podcasts (search Wrestling Observer).

Olympic gold medalist and former WWE talent to make MMA debut

Posted on August 19, 2025August 19, 2025 by Bryan Rose

Gable Steveson’s next move? MMA.

LFA announced that the Olympic gold medalist and former WWE developmental talent would make his MMA debut against Braden Peterson at LFA 217. The event will take place at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel on September 12 in Prior Lake, Minnesota and will stream on UFC Fight Pass.

Gable Steveson 🥇@gablesteveson1

Get your tickets: https://t.co/luT3VSzle0 #LFA217 Takes place Friday, September 12th at the @MysticLake Casino Hotel in #PriorLake #Minnesota

📲 @UFCFightPass #LFAPriorLake #LFA217 pic.twitter.com/n2PowPBcvw
— LFA (@LFAfighting) August 19, 2025

In the past, Steveson has expressed interest in an MMA career. He’s previously been seen training with former UFC Champion Jon Jones.

Steveson won the gold medal in freestyle wrestling at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and the following year signed with the WWE. His first match didn’t take place until 2023, when he and Baron Corbin went to a no contest at that year’s NXT Great American Bash. The following May, it was reported that Steveson was among several talents released from their NXT contracts.

In the time since his release, Steveson was briefly linked to football, signing a deal with the Buffalo Bills but ultimately failing to make their practice squad. He also competed at this year’s NCAA tournament, making it to the finals before losing to Wyatt Hendrickson.

JNPO: UFC is bigger than ever, so why is traditional MMA media shrinking?

Posted on July 28, 2025 by Josh Nason

Image: Josh Nason (circa 2013!)

Follow me for a second or 10.

Just over two weeks ago, I saw a tweet from a former MMA media member giving praise to a current one about his video on this social post from another media member noting there was only one media member present at the UFC media day for their recent Nashville show.

Got all that? Good. On today’s Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, we’re talking about the state of the MMA/UFC media and where everyone went despite the UFC being stronger financially than ever.

Helping me do that is the man who put together that reaction video: James Lynch, a longtime MMA media member who also covers other sports.

We talked for nearly an hour about, well, everything happening in the space from why outlets are dropping coverage to why people are leaving to the consumption habits of today’s consumer on social media and YouTube to the financial decisions one has to make in order to cover a show or not.

This is a conversation that applies to all sports as the way things are covered continues to be affected in favor of more cost-conscious measures.

If you’re into media matters, this free show is for you.

Click here to listen for free or on either our Spotify/Apple Podcasts feeds (search for Wrestling Observer)

November 26, 2007 Observer Newsletter: Where things stand business-wise, Congress looking to investigate pro wrestling

Posted on July 13, 2025July 11, 2025 by Dave Meltzer

When looking at where things were a year ago, and today, it really shows just how much things change in pro wrestling and MMA. A year ago, UFC was the hot commodity, booking the best feuds, and building them up. WWE seemed to have lost its way to a degree, and people were writing obituaries for the sport of boxing, saying after the last De La Hoya fight, it was done.

After one of the biggest weekends of the year, it’s clear that everything is different. Boxing is thriving, with HBO re-inventing the formula of match promotion television. Round two is the build up of the 12/8 Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton fight with the 30 minute weekly show until fight time showing their preparation as well as living their life.

It’s the outside drama and personality development, more than the training footage, that made the first episode. Mayweather has gone from the cocky adversary in the De La Hoya series to a multi-dimensional larger-than-life character, living in the mansion, but raising kids, with all the hangers-on, and continuing the problems with the father who raised him to be a boxing superstar.

Subscribers can read this issue here.

JNPO: Jack Encarnacao on the life & Sherdog times of Jordan Breen

Posted on June 6, 2025June 6, 2025 by Josh Nason

On a Friday Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, Josh is joined by Jack Encarnacao of The Lapsed Fan as he remembers his longtime co-worker and friend Jordan Breen who passed away earlier this week.

Josh talked to Jack for nearly an hour about his times with Jordan, the many influences he had on the sport, how he was Internet before the Internet was the Internet, and lots more.

From road stories to his Lapsed Fan appearance to everything in between, those who remember Jordan will enjoy this show.

We even get into a few Lapsed Fan and Dark Side of the Ring topics as well.

Click here to listen (free) and click here for my mini-episode from earlier this week